ASTHMA

Definition:

1) Airway tube spasm/closing (bronchospasm) that is variable and reversible

Airway tube open Airway tube spasm

2) Inflammation (swelling/congestion) of those airway tubes

Medications:

1) Reliever Medication (blue):

· Names: Ventolin, salbutamol, Airomir, Bricanyl

· Reverses airway tube spasm, opens airway

· Immediate relief

· Does NOT treat underlying inflammation

· Use when needed (cough, breathless, wheeze) or before exercise

· Rescue medication

2) Controller Medication: Inhaled Steroid

· Brand names: Pulmicort , Flovent, QVAR

· Decreases airway inflammation

· Needs time to gradually decrease inflammation therefore….

· … needs to be taken REGULARLY(every day) to work effectively

· Prevents further symptoms from occurring

3) Other Medication:

i) Long Acting Ventolin

· Brand names: Oxeze, Servent

· Used regularly in addition to inhaled steroid

· Oxeze may be used when needed alone before exercise

ii) Combined Inhaled Steroid + Long Acting Ventolin

· Brand names: Symbicort (red), Advair(purple)

iii) Antileukotrienes

· Brand names: Singulaire, Accolate

· Comes as a pill

· Used usually in addition to inhaled steroids

· Useful in exercise-induced asthma, aspirin-induced asthma

· May be used alone for mild asthma particularly with associated hayfever