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ASTHMA - A pulmonary dysfunction distinguished by air passage obstruction, inflammation and increased mucus production. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, gasping, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
Asthma afflicting approximately 14 million Americans, including 4.8 million children, is responsible for more hospital admissions than any other childhood disease. It was responsible for 5,167 deaths in 1993. Asthma medications have become the second largest category of prescriptions.
DRUG TREATMENT: Drugs include "relievers" (used for acute attacks) and "controllers" (for maintenance therapy).
Sympothomimetic drugs stimulate the muscles that open the bronchial tubes. Ephedrine, contained in Bronkotabs, Mudrane, Quadrinal, Quibron, and Tedral is used for acute attacks. Side effects include pounding heart, nausea, high blood pressure, dizziness, and sleepness nights. Aerosol inhalers, containing adrenalin in the form of epinephrine (Primatene Mist and Bronkaid) or isoproterenol (Isuprel, Mucomyst, MedihalerIso, Duo-Medihaler, Norisodrine) have some of the same side effects as ephidrine. Newer aerosol bronchodilators, including albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), terbutaline (Brethine), and metaproterenol sulfate (Alupent) have fewer side-effects, but overuse can lessen effectiveness and can cause a rebound effect. For children, a popular option is Alupent bronchodilator elixir or syrup.
Side effects incude tachycardia (increased heart rate), irritability, hyperactivity, and insomnia.
Other drugs include corticosteroids, pharmaceutical copies of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They reduce inflammation, opening airways of the chest, and suppress much of the immune system's response to allergens. For emergencies, methylprednisolone (injectable), or prednisone (oral) can be very effective. These drugs should be used as a last resort and for only a short period, as they inhibit the adrenals from making steroids.
Sufferers of serious asthma should be under the regular care of a physician specializing in the field, as it may be life threatening.
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