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Asthma medications are the common treatment for asthma. They are proven effective and generally helpful. Asthma can range from a slight annoyance to a major problem that can lead to life threatening situations. It causes the airways to narrow down and swell, making breathing difficult. This is why necessary treatments and preventive measures are often practiced in order to control any attacks.

Remember that the purpose of asthma medication is to manage the condition so that you can lead a normal life. That is why medicines and natural remedies for asthma are usually tailored to answer the symptoms, which tend to be debilitating.

There are three main types of asthma medicine: the preventers, the relievers and the symptom controllers. Bear in mind that most of these come in delivery devices, such as metered dose inhalers, spacers, and nebulizers. And that the medicine is inhaled directly to the lungs, therefore giving fast acting relief.

Here are the common classifications of asthma drugs and their functions:

Asthma Preventers

Inhaled corticosteroids are the main types of asthma preventers. They are designed to minimize the inflammation of the airways thus reducing the incidence of any future asthma attacks. These asthma meds can be taken on a daily basis. It would most probably take some time before you can feel the full effect; that is why strict adherence to drug regimen is essential.

Nevertheless, it is helpful in keeping asthma well under control.  Because they can be taken long-term, mouth infection is the most common side effect of these medications for asthma. This can be prevented by thoroughly cleaning your inhaler after every use as well as maintaining a good oral hygiene by regular rinsing.

Symptom Controllers

This type of medication for asthma is helpful for people whose breathing is still hindered despite the use of asthma preventers. What you should remember though is that they do not treat inflammation. That is the reason they should never be used as a substitute for corticosteroids. They work to keep airways open for up to 10 hours, so their optimum effect can be best achieved in conjunction with asthma preventers. Examples of these asthma medicines are eformoterol and salmeterol.

Asthma Relievers

From the name itself, this medicine for asthma functions to relieve asthma symptoms quickly. They are known as bronchodilators because they help open airways when you are having an asthma attack. Asthma relievers include salbutamol and terbutaline.

Although they are generally safe, they have some side effects that are usually mild and can resolve quickly. These asthma medication side effects include muscle trembling and heightened heartbeat. However mild, you must always report them to your medical practitioner.

Talking to your doctor for further information regarding these medical treatments is helpful. They can supply you with all necessary facts in order to make you aware of the condition.

Remember that various factors can trigger asthma and they vary from person to person. This means that what may be normal for you can be deadly to others. A simple blow of cold air or inhalation of smoke can trigger an attack. Protect yourself. Asthma medicine can mean the difference between safety and your next asthma attack.

Over the Counter Asthma Medication

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