There’s a higher chance of getting an asthma attack when inflammation makes your mucus-producing cells swell. There are some medications that reduce inflammation. The best thing for this category is inhaled corticosteroids. Having said that, let’s take a moment to talk about what asthma is a little more closely!
Asthma: What is it?
A number of cells and cellular components are involved in the chronic inflammatory condition of the airways known as asthma. This chronic inflammation in the body contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness, which causes recurring attacks of coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea, especially at night or in the early morning. These episodes are typically accompanied by a wide-spread but variable lung airflow restriction that is frequently treatable or reversible spontaneously.
Causes of Asthma
Inflammation of the airways is the primary cause of asthma symptoms’ persistent intermittent nature and eventual progression to severe asthma attacks. Several types of airways can be affected by inflammation, including the upper respiratory tract, the small airways, and the tiny ones. However, the physiological consequences are most noticeable in the medium-sized bronchi, where it is most likely to have the most significant impact. The disease can become worse if you do not control or suppress inflammation. Asthma attacks can be dangerous to your health and may even result in death. Inadequate therapy, physical activity, allergy triggers, cold air, and pathogenic microorganisms can cause acute deterioration.
If you have asthma, you are aware that inflammation makes the mucus-producing airway lining enlarge. As a result of this inflammation, the airways are more vulnerable to specific asthma triggers that result in asthma episodes. As a result, anti-inflammatory drugs are among the most crucial asthma therapy alternatives since they work to halt the development of asthma attacks.
Here’s What Triggers Asthma
There are a number of things and factors that can trigger asthma or make an existing attack worst. Some of the common ones are:
- sinusitis, the common cold, and the influenza
- Pollen, mold, and dust mite allergens
- Irritants enjoy pungent fragrances or cleaning product scents
- air toxicity
- cigarette smoke
- Exercise
- Changing weather conditions like temperature or humidity, or cold air
- The disease of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Likewise, the presence of sulfites occurs in foods like shrimp, pickles, beer, wine, dried fruits, and bottled lemon and lime juices.
- Similarly, strong emotions like anxiety, laughing, sadness, or stress can also sometimes cause sulfites, triggering an asthmatic attack.
- Aspirin is one of these medications that can trigger asthma.
How Can Anti-inflammatory Medicines Help Asthma Attacks?
When it comes to reducing airway swelling and mucus production, inhaled corticosteroids are the best. The use of these medicines can be credited with a number of advantages that can be attributed to the use of these medicines, such as:
- Fewer symptoms and asthma flare-ups.
- Decreased use of short-acting beta-agonists (reliever or rescue) inhalers.
- Improved lung function.
- Fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
- Better asthma control.
Most Common Asthma-treating Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Some drugs that people commonly consume to reduce asthmatic inflammation are:
Corticosteroids
The three delivery methods for inhaled corticosteroids are metered dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), and nebulizer solutions. When combined with a valved holding chamber, or “spacer,” the MDI version performs well. Less medication ends up in your mouth and throat thanks to the chamber, which helps transfer more medicine to your airways.
Systemic Corticosteroids
Severe asthma attacks are treated with systemic corticosteroids. The medications are taken orally in pill form or liquid form, or they are injected intravenously (intravenous). These drugs are combined with others to treat either long-term, difficult-to-control asthma or sudden, severe asthma episodes.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotrienes are substances that our bodies naturally produce. They trigger mucus production and tightening of the airway muscles. Drugs that block the effects of leukotrienes in the body are known as leukotriene modifiers. According to studies, these medications enhance airflow and lessen asthma symptoms. They are available as pills and should be taken once or twice a day. They may alleviate the need for other asthma drugs.
Monoclonal Antibodies
For people with severe asthma, monoclonal antibodies (biological treatment) assist in preventing the inflammatory response to airway triggers. They specifically target immune system-related cells in the body. These goods include a wide range of medications that are given either intravenously in your doctor’s office, intravenously through an IV in a clinic or hospital, or orally at home by the patient.
Final Words!
It’s critical to keep in mind that asthma is an ongoing, persistent inflammation of the lungs’ airways. Daily use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed for you will improve your ability to control your asthma and, over time, improve the health of your lungs.