Different Treatment Options for Asthma

Asthma is a one of the killer diseases worldwide. It is prevalent in urban areas compared to rural places. Asthma may strike at any age, although half of the cases reported reveal that asthma starts early, particularly on children. Asthma on adults, however, is considered more serious.

With advancements in research and treatment, asthmatics can live longer than those stricken with the ailment in previous years. Specifically, the cause of asthma is removed for complete treatment and relief. In case the patient shows symptoms of allergy like itching, skin rashes, and running nose, then the source of the allergy should be identified and removed. However in various cases of allergic asthma, the cause of the allergy is quite hard to identify. This is where anti-allergic drugs come in. There are also patients of asthma who benefit from moving to another place, although this is not a proven treatment.

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In symptomatic treatment, certain drugs are tapped to provide relief for bronchospasms. Treatment is divided into two groups: medication during acute attack; as well as prevention of chronic asthma.

Salbutamol, a drug used to create dilatation of narrowed airways, can also be tapped for symptomatic treatment. In cases of acute attack, salbutamol can be inhaled.

One of the more time honored treatment options for asthma is adrenaline. However, since it has been proven to disturb the rhythm of the ear, this is rarely used these days. Another treatment option, Isoprenaline, is also rarely used compare to the previous decades.

There are also direct-acting drugs like Theophylline, and Aminophylline. The first drug, Theophylline, instigates the dilatation of bronchioles through direct action.

On the other hand, Aminophylline contains theophylline and ethylenediamine, and is a dissolving agent that can provide immediate relief of bronchial asthma. Aminophylline is taken as a well-diluted emulsion through intravenous route. Theophylline can be also taken orally with ephedrine and other medication to prevent recurring asthmatic attacks. Theophylline is proven as more effective when taken in the evening since it puts off occurrence of asthma attacks at night.

On the average, the oral daily dosage of theophylline should be around 100 to 200 mg, and must be given at least thrice daily. Aminophylline can also be diluted in a 20 ml of glucose, and then injected intravenously in a slow manner, in a span of no more than 10 minutes. Theophylline is erratically absorbed since it can cause inflammation in gastro-intestinal tract