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Nebulizers and Pills in the Treatment of Asthma

Information on Leukotriene Modifier Drugs and Misted Medications

Nov 20, 2009 Mary Earhart

Drugs for the treatment of asthma can be more easily given to children through nebulizers. Singulair, Accolate, or Zyflo, on the other hand, are not for everyone.

Acute asthma symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath respond to treatment with bronchodilating drugs. Rescue inhalers deliver these medications but some patients, particularly children, cannot manage effective breath/spray coordination. For them, and for long-lasting relief, nebulizers provide the ideal prevention/treatment option. Leukotriene modifier drugs aim to alleviate the production of mucus that causes asthma symptoms in some individuals. It is important to understand the action of such medication and to know what side effects may occur.

Nebulizer Treatment Machines are Dedicated Air Compressors

These devices have been used by emergency departments and doctors offices long before they were available for home use. When asthma inhalers don't work or aren't practical, it is simple to assemble the reservoir of a nebulizer containing liquid premixed medication, or to count drops and add premeasured saline solution. A T-connector attaches to the top of the reservoir. Add a mouthpiece and a short length of corrugated tubing to hold the mist, plug in and turn on the machine, and breathe normally. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the medication is used up and symptoms are gone, or prevented for six to eight hours. Even babies can breathe the mist and nebulizer treatments are fast becoming pediatrician-approved alternatives to over-prescribed antibiotics. Side effects wear off quickly but can include racing pulse, tremors, nausea and insomnia. Nebulizer asthma treatments can also raise blood pressure and aggravate glaucoma.

Leukotriene Modifier Medications Offer Another Option

Singulair is approved for use in children over the age of two, while Accolate is approved for children seven and older. Zyflo is only approved for use in adults. These medications modify the leukotriene secretions of cells in the delicate lining of bronchial airways, preventing some asthma symptoms associated with increased production of mucus. Typically taken once or twice a day, they may take weeks to reach full effectiveness and are not used to treat attacks. A doctor can determine if an individual's asthma might respond to treatment with a leukotriene modifier. Although they might be used alone to treat very mild asthma, these drugs are usually added on to other therapies. Side effects can be mild or severe, ranging from headache, stomachache, and flu-like symptoms to irritability and suicidal depression.

Peak Flow Meters Allow Patients to Monitor Treatment Results

One of the tools that can be used at home to indicate the level of medication required is a peak flow meter, which measures maximum speed of exhalation. Using the hand-held device, patients blow as hard and fast as possible and look at the result, which is a number in one of three color zones: green is normal, yellow indicates reduced capacity and a possible need for more medication, and red can warn of impending severe symptoms before they become obvious. A daily reading, charted on a graph, can provide information doctors can analyze to adjust treatments.

Asthma inhalers, pills, nebulizers, and natural remedies might all be used in combination over time to control symptoms. Patients can use a peak flow meter to chart patterns and progress.

References:

Physicians' Desk Reference, PDR, Thomas Reuters, 2009

Christopher Fanta, MD, Elaine Carter, RN, The Asthma Educators Handbook, McGraw-Hill, 2007

The copyright of the article Nebulizers and Pills in the Treatment of Asthma in General Medicine is owned by Mary Earhart. Permission to republish Nebulizers and Pills in the Treatment of Asthma in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Asthma Nebulizer