Question

A patient with a history of severe late-phase asthma response is prescribed an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator, corticosteroid, and mast cell stabilizer. Explain in lay terms when each of these drugs is indicated and highlight any special considerations concerning sequence, side effects, and what to expect as positive outcomes.

Answer 1

Short-acting Bronchodilator

• Indicated when there is severe asthma.
• Side effects: The inhalation of drug may cause increased blood pressure, feel like the heart is beating too fast, stomach irritation, fainting or unsteadiness.
• Positive outcomes: Opens up the air passages and reduces the difficulty in breathing.
• Special considerations: Take the medicine as prescribed even if the symptoms are reduced, wash mouth after each inhalation, consult the doctor as instructed to lower the dose.

Corticosteroid

• Indicated when the asthma is more frequent and severe.
• Side effects: mouth ulcer, lack of taste for food, swelling on hands and feet, high blood pressure.
• Positive outcomes: Reduces the infection of airway and prevents the attack of asthma in the future.
• Special considerations: Take the medicine as prescribed even if the symptoms are reduced, wash mouth after each inhalation, consult the doctor as instructed to lower the dose.

Mast cell stabilizer

• Indicated to prevent asthma attack from any allergens.
• Side effects: Throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes.
• Positive outcomes: Prevents the allergens from causing infection, and thus prevent the asthma attack.