Introduction
Asthma is an allergic respiratory disease where the airways to the lungs swell preventing inflow and outflow of oxygen. The disease has various symptoms including but not limited to coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Asthma can be caused by allergies such as pollen and dust that causes respiratory infections. However, the disease can be treated using both prescription and nonprescription drugs. Gershwin and Albertson (2011) argued that the common treatment mechanism is using inhalers (p.56). Moreover, the disease can be treated using prescribed drugs such as lipoxygenase inhibitor, leukotriene receptor antagonist, and mast cell stabilizers. Asthma can also be treated using antiIgEs, methylxanthine, and corticosteroid that may require medical devices to administer the dosage.
Prescription medication for the treatment of Asthma
Prescription medication for Asthma can be classified into different roles including preventers and relievers. Moreover, they can be classified based on their pharmacological and chemical composition or class. Preventers are medications that are regularly used to control the disease by reducing the symptoms and flare-ups. Relievers are used for rapid relief of symptoms when they occur. Moreover, this prescription medication can be used before exercise to prevent bronchoconstriction. The prescription is effective when given by a certified allergist by American Board of Allergy and Immunology. The common treatment mechanism is using inhalers. Moreover, the disease can be treated using prescribed drugs such as lipoxygenase inhibitor, leukotriene receptor antagonist, and mast cell stabilizers.
Antihistamines are one of the best-prescribed medications for itching and nasal discharge including pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. Decongestants are often combined in this medication to be effective. However, in some cases, antihistamines may result in hypersensitivity reaction after interaction with a pharmacologic agent and body immune system. IgE mediates this allergic reaction from Antihistamines. Patients with Asthma, who experience adverse drug reaction, should always record all prescription and nonprescription medication taken within the last one to two months including the date and the dosage (Whalen, 2014). This will enable allergist to identify the temporal relationship between the dosage and the symptoms. In most cases, when a patient experiences hypersensitivity reaction, the interval between commencement of therapy and allergic reaction is less than one week. When monitoring this condition, the patient should be requested to give details of previous exposures and reaction that might cause drug hypersensitivity reaction. However, allergist must ensure the drugs are included in different diagnosis for patient with Asthma only. The prescription of the drug should be based on the symptoms that are well matched with the immune system of the patient.
During monitoring, the allergist should focus on evaluating signs that might be caused by the generalized reaction because some hypersensitivity reactions are life threatening. An allergist can detect such symptoms of drug adverse reaction including upper airway edema, hypertension, and cardiovascular collapse. Identifying the adverse reaction might be challenging due to multiple drug-to-drug interactions that might not be understood by many allergists. Moreover, the treatment of hypersensitivity is dependent on clinical finding that might not be accurate. The major risk posed by adverse drug reaction is due on the chemical property of the drug. Therefore, the allergist must monitor the adverse effect on the patient through administration therapy. Although therapy can help to monitor adverse effect, it might cause health impairment. The prescriptions of first-generation H 1 receptor are associated with the nerve system that can potentially cause sedation. According to Pescatore (2003), a patient who is prescribed with the second generation of antihistamines H1 receptor can be able to reduce the impact of H1 receptor occupancy thus reducing the impact of sedative effects (p.67). Allergist should be careful when prescribing H1 antihistamines due to their potential impact such as cardiac arrhythmogenic effect. In children, the prescription of intranasal should be administered twice daily for one year. However, the administration of this dosage in children should be given after analysis of height changes together with systematic steroid bioavailability. These factors are critical especially if a child is concurrently receiving inhaled steroids for Asthma to reduce the total steroid in the body.
Nonprescription medication for Asthma
There are varieties of nonprescription medication for Asthma such as over the counter medicine that has little impact on airway inflammation. However, if a patient experiences airway inflammation, they should opt for prescription medication such as Montelukast and corticosteroids. Asthma Bronchodilator is one of the most effective nonprescription medications that relieve the symptoms of Asthma. This drug helps the patient by relaxing muscles that tighten around airway keeping them open. Bronchodilator inhalers can be a better medication option for Asthma especially during wheezing and loss of breath. Moreover, this medication is effective when used before exercise to patients with exercise-induced Asthma. However, Olivieri (2010) argues that this medication should only be used only during exercise rather than being used in routine treatment.
References
Gershwin, M. & Albertson, T. (2011). Bronchial asthma is a guide for practical understanding and treatment. New York: Springer.
Olivieri, D. (2010). Asthma treatment a multidisciplinary approach. New York: Plenum Press.
Pescatore, F. (2003). The allergy and asthma cure a complete 8-step nutritional program. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Whalen, K. (2014). Lippincott’s illustrated review: pharmacology (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott William & Wilkens. New York: Plenum Press.