Asthma medicines, such as budesonide, formoterol or montelukast, may be indicated for the long-term treatment of asthma and to prevent asthmatic attacks, but there are also medicines for the treatment of acute asthma attacks, such as salbutamol, ipratropium bromide or methylprednisolone, which have a rapid onset of action.
These remedies act by reducing inflammation in the lungs, opening the bronchi, facilitating air entry and breathing, relieving the symptoms of asthma or asthma attacks. Know how to identify all the symptoms of asthma.
Asthma treatment should always be guided by a pulmonologist or general practitioner, as it is important to adapt the type of treatment and medications used to symptoms, age, health history, type of asthma, severity of the disease and intensity of attacks, so individualized.
Medicines to control asthma
Medicines to control asthma are generally used long-term, as they help control and prevent attacks, and must be taken daily.
The main medications to control asthma that may be recommended by your doctor are:
1.Budesonida
Budesonide, as well as other inhaled corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone, fluticasone or mometasone, have a powerful anti-inflammatory action on the airways, reducing chronic inflammation present in the lungs, being considered one of the most effective treatments for asthma, as it helps to reduce symptoms and prevent crises, improving lung function and quality of life.
These medicines, popularly known as asthma ‘bombs’, can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, and some, such as beclomethasone and budesonide, are provided free of charge by the SUS. In some cases, the doctor may combine the use of inhaled corticosteroids with inhaled bronchodilators, to facilitate treatment and control the disease.
Inhaled corticosteroids should be used daily, as per medical advice, and it is important to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth immediately after inhalation. In addition, you must clean the inhaler with a soft brush or brush to remove medication residue. See step by step how to use the asthma pump correctly.
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2. Formoterol
Formoterol is a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator, like salmeterol, which helps to open the bronchi of the lungs, facilitating air entry and breathing, exerting an effect for about 12 hours, indicated for the long-term treatment of asthma. Learn how to use formoterol.
Generally, these medications are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, such as formoterol + budesonide, which is provided free of charge by the SUS. However, they can also be found in pharmacies or drugstores, as in the case of salmeterol + fluticasone, or formoterol + budesonide, for example.
Long-acting bronchodilators should only be used under the advice of a pulmonologist and are contraindicated for use during an asthma attack, as they take a few minutes to exert their maximum effect.
Read too: Bronchodilators: what they are, what they are for (and how to use them)
3. Montelucaste
Montelukast is an antileukotriene that works by reducing the action of substances called leukotrienes, responsible for inflammation of the lungs, which helps prevent the narrowing and swelling of the lung airways. Another antileukotriene with similar action is zafirlukast.
These remedies are indicated for long-term treatment, to prevent asthma attacks, in cases of moderate persistent asthma, in people who cannot tolerate treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, but they can also be used to complement treatment with corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators. Antileukotrienes have a maximum effect after a few days or up to 4 weeks after starting treatment, and therefore are not recommended for use during an asthma attack.
Antileukotrienes can be found in the form of coated or chewable tablets, or in the form of granules, with the trade names Montelair, Aria, Piedmont or Accolate, for example, and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless indicated by the doctor. . Learn how to use montelukast correctly.
4. Omalizumab
Omalizumab, as well as dupilumab, are immunosuppressive medications indicated for the treatment of severe allergic asthma, when treatment with inhaled corticosteroids has not been effective in reducing symptoms. These medications act by reducing the action of the immune system, relieving lung inflammation.
Immunosuppressants can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, under the trade names Xolair or Dupixent, in the form of an injection for application under the skin, and are sold upon presentation of a medical prescription. Learn how to apply omalizumab.
5. Theophylline
Theophylline is a xanthine that has a bronchodilator action, which although it is not widely used nowadays, can also be indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma, as it contributes to the relaxation of the muscles in the airways.
Medicines to treat asthma attacks
Medicines indicated to treat asthma attacks should only be used at the moment the attack appears or before making efforts that involve an increase in respiratory rate, if so recommended by the doctor.
The main remedies to treat asthma attacks that may be recommended by your doctor are:
1. Salbutamol
Salbutamol, like fenoterol, is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator indicated for asthma attacks, as it acts within a few minutes after its application and exerts an effect for around 4 to 6 hours.
These remedies act by quickly dilating the bronchi of the lungs, facilitating the entry of air, relieving the symptoms of an asthma attack.
Salbutamol and fenoterol are offered free of charge by the SUS, upon medical advice, but can also be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of a pump or nebulizer solution, under the trade name Aerolin or Berotec. Learn how to use salbutamol and fenoterol correctly.
2. Prednisone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid with systemic action, in the same way as prednisolone or methylprednisolone, which can be indicated to reduce lung inflammation in cases of severe asthma attacks, and are generally used for one to two weeks of treatment. This is because when used long-term, the risk of side effects is greater, compared to inhaled corticosteroids, which can cause obesity, osteoporosis or diabetes, for example. See all side effects of systemic corticosteroids.
These remedies can be used orally, in the form of tablets, but in some cases the doctor may recommend the application of corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, directly into the vein, carried out in hospitals.
Prednisone and prednisolone, in the form of tablets or oral solution, are offered free of charge by the SUS, upon medical advice.
3. Ipratropium bromide
Ipratropium bromide is an antimuscarinic medicine that acts quickly, helping to dilate the bronchi in the lungs, and can be recommended by the doctor for the treatment of severe and poorly controlled asthma attacks, but can also be indicated to complement treatment with corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilators.
Ipratropium bromide can be provided free of charge by the SUS or purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, under the trade name Atrovent, in the form of drops for nebulization or inhalation pump. Learn how to use ipratropium.
Asthma remedies during pregnancy
Asthma medications during pregnancy are generally the same as those that the woman was already using before becoming pregnant. However, before continuing treatment, the woman should speak to her doctor, as there are medications that may be safer during pregnancy.
Excessive use of medicines should be avoided during pregnancy and, therefore, it is recommended to avoid factors that exacerbate the disease and increase the risk of crises, such as contact with pollen, dust, dogs and cats, perfumes and intense aromas.
It is important to follow medical recommendations, as asthma during pregnancy, when uncontrolled or when it causes attacks, can cause problems for the woman, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or premature birth, and can also affect the baby, leading to prematurity. or low birth weight, which can put the baby’s life at risk.
Care during asthma treatment
Some important precautions during asthma treatment are:
- Take the medicine recommended by the doctor;
- Get vaccines such as flu or pneumonia, as directed by your doctor, to help avoid lung infections, which can cause an asthma attack;
- Identify and avoid substances that can cause asthma attackssuch as pollen, pollution or mold, for example;
- Keep the environment cleanwithout dirt or dust;
- Do not smoke;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Do physical exercises cleared by the doctor;
- Avoid alcoholic drinks;
- Avoid very dusty placesstrong-smelling cleaning products, hairspray or perfumes, which can cause irritation or inflammation in the lungs and worsen symptoms, leading to exacerbations;
- Avoid using medicines on your ownsuch as anti-inflammatories, as they can cause asthma attacks.
If an asthma attack occurs, it is important to seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room. Check out first aid for asthma attacks.
