Question

Discuss medications to treat asthma. What specifically should patients be taught about these medications to prevent adverse side effects?

Answer 1

Answer:

Asthma is a chronic lung disorder including obstruction of airway due to immune mediated airway Inflammation.

MEDICATION TO TREAT ASTHMA

Classification of asthma drugs

* Anti- inflammatory agents

- Glucocorticoids

-Cromolyn

* Bronchodilators

- Beta 2 agonists

☆ Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists : Effective drug to treat acute bronchospasm and exercise induced bronchospasm.

Advantages:

* Rapid onset of action

* Long term results

* Less histamine suppression

▪︎Bronchodilators

Inhaled long acting . eg : Formoterol, Salemeterol

Inhaled short acting .eg : Albuterol

☆Anti inflammatory drugs - Glucocorticoids

* Decrease the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators

*Reduce inflammation and edema

* Reduce bronchial hyperactivity and secretion.

☆Other drugs for asthma:

* Anti cholinergic drugs

*Leukotriene modifiers

☆ Patient education to prevent side effects

* Instruct the patient to rinse mouth after taking the medication

*Advice the patient to take adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D

*Teach the patient to use spacer to avoid infection

*Instruct the patient to avoid weight bearing activity