Guide to Understanding Asthma Symptoms and its Treatment Options

Asthma is one of the leading chronic lung diseases. It affects the lungs and airways. There is no cure for this condition. Some children may get over this disease as they grow older. However, for most individuals, asthma is a lifelong issue. The asthma symptoms may differ from a person to another.For most individuals the symptoms are wheezing (noisy breathing), breathlessness, cough, and chest tightness. One can experience allergic or non-allergic asthma. The condition can occur due to exercise and obesity as well. While asthma is non-curable, it can be managed with medicines and lifestyle modifications.Let us understand how to tackle asthma symptoms with asthma medicines:8 Common Asthma Treatments to Combat SymptomsTo control asthma symptoms, here are some of the common treatments available:1.     Asthma Inhalers You breathe the medicine through your mouth using inhalers. The medicine goes straight to your lungs. There are three types of asthma inhalers. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce swelling or inflammation of airways, as they prevent flare-ups. Inhaled bronchodilators open airways to ease passing of air.While long-acting bronchodilators prevent asthma attacks, the short-acting ones offer quick relief from asthma attacks. Combination inhalers contain one or two long-acting bronchodilators as well as corticosteroids to deliver effective relief from symptoms.2.     MontelukastSingulair or Montelukast blocks certain chemicals responsible for airway inflammation and swelling. It is helpful for people who have asthma as well as allergies and use antihistamine. However, it is not that effective for people with asthma taking inhaled steroids. It may also have some side effects, and pose risk to people with mental health issues.3.     BiologicsAs a newer class of medicines, Biologics or Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made antibodies. They treat certain chemicals and cells responsible for airway inflammation. The three common types of biologics are:·       Omalizumab (Xolair): This injectable medicine is provided every 2 to 4 weeks. It is administered under the skin to combat asthma symptoms in those 6 years and older. It can manage moderate to severe symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma.·    Dupixent (dupilumab): Again, an injectable asthma medication given under skin every 2 to 4 weeks, Dupixent reduces the episodes of asthma attacks. It enhances lung function and is suitable for those 6 years and older.·       Anti-IL-5 therapies: For people of 6 years of age and older, Fasenra (benralizumab) and Nucala (mepolizumab) are conducive asthma treatments. For those 18 years of age and older, Cinqair (reslizumab) is good, while for those 12 and up, Exdensur (depemokimab) is a perfect option. They are administered via IV infusion or injection. The dosing duration is for 4 to 8 weeks. However, an ultra-long-acting biologic for asthma is Exdensur – injected twice a year.4.     Allergy ImmunotherapyThis asthma treatment is for allergic asthma alone. It helps ease asthma related to allergy triggers. It slows down immune system response to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. The allergy shots or injectable medicine are the most common forms available. However, they are also catered as sublingual tablets.5.     DesensitizationA procedure for people with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease or AERD – desensitization involves administering higher nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin doses each time. It is helpful in reducing asthma and allergy symptoms.6.     TheophyllineThis is a trustable oral medicine for asthma. It reduces inflammation by relaxing muscles of the airways. It is taken by mouth and available as extended-release tablets. Due to administration through the mouth, it does not act as fast as inhalers but is helpful nonetheless.It may also have serious side effects such as seizures, nausea, and heart rhythm issues. Thus, it is not as widely used as other alternatives. But it is an option for individuals who do not respond well to other asthma treatments, especially the inhalers.7.     TiotropiumThis is an inhaled bronchodilator known as LAMA or long-acting muscarinic antagonist. It relaxes lung muscles surrounding the airways. It is useful to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma symptoms that are not relieved by inhaled steroids.8.     Bronchial ThermoplastyWhile not a medicine, Bronchial thermoplasty is an asthma treatment and procedure. Here, heat is directly applied on the airways to reduce the muscles around. This is a beneficial option for adults who take bronchodilators and inhaled steroids but still show asthma symptoms with hardly any relief. This procedure has potential to reduce asthma attacks as well.Conclusion: Managing Asthma and Improving Quality of LifeSince asthma is usually due to the immune system’s overactive response to allergens or interactions within the lungs and airways, this condition does not have a straightforward cure. Taking the above-mentioned medicines do help combat asthma symptoms. To figure out which type of asthma treatment and management technique may suit you, follow the advice of a healthcare professional.Deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, getting sufficient sleep, staying away from allergy triggers, and following asthma-friendly workout can also fight symptoms and improve quality of life.