What are the commonly used drugs for treating asthma

Asthma is a relatively common disease. When patients encounter some substances that can induce asthma in their lives, they will experience asthma symptoms, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, etc. Currently, there are two main types of drugs used to treat asthma: one is used when an asthma attack occurs, and the other is used to prevent asthma attacks. In general, it is best to take asthma medications before going to bed and rinse your mouth with warm water after taking them. If you don’t understand anything when taking the medication, you can ask a doctor or other professional. Now let’s talk about the commonly used medications for treating asthma.

1. Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are currently the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred drug for long-term control of asthma. Their advantage is that the drug acts directly on the airway mucosa through inhalation, has strong local anti-inflammatory effects, and has few systemic adverse reactions. However, long-term, standardized inhalation is usually required to have a preventive effect. In the event of an acute asthma attack, inhaled β2 receptor agonists should be used first, followed by inhaled corticosteroids. For children with seasonal asthma attacks, continuous, regular inhalation of corticosteroids can be started 2 to 4 weeks before the expected attack.

2. β2 adrenergic receptor agonists

It works by stimulating the β2 receptors in the respiratory tract, activating adenylate cyclase, increasing the cyclic adenosine monophosphate content in the cells, and then relaxing the bronchial smooth muscles. It is the drug of choice for controlling acute asthma attacks.

3. Theophylline

It has the functions of relaxing airway smooth muscles, stimulating the respiratory center and respiratory muscles, etc. When used for long-term control, it mainly assists inhaled corticosteroids in anti-inflammatory treatment and is mostly used to prevent nocturnal asthma attacks and nighttime coughs. Common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, and hypotension.

4. Anticholeretic drugs

The antiasthmatic effect is weaker than that of β2 receptor agonists and the onset of action is slower, but long-term use is less likely to cause drug resistance and has fewer adverse reactions. It is often used in combination with β2 receptor agonists to enhance and prolong the bronchial dilation effect.

5. Leukotriene receptor antagonists

Leukotriene receptor antagonists are a new class of non-glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory drugs. Commonly used drugs are montelukast, zafirlukast, etc. They are often used in combination with inhaled glucocorticoids to treat children with asthma. They can reduce the dose of glucocorticoids and improve the efficacy of inhaled glucocorticoids. The drug is well tolerated, has mild side effects, and is easy to take.

6. Mast cell membrane stabilizer

Mast cell membrane stabilizers include sodium cromolyn, a noncorticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug used for the long-term treatment of mild asthma. It can also be used to prevent exercise-induced asthma and wheezing attacks induced by dry and cold air. There are very few side effects and it can be used safely for a long time.

7. Antihistamines

Oral antihistamines include cetirizine, loratadine, ketotifen, etc. These drugs are generally not recommended for children.