What bronchodilators can be used to treat an asthma attack?

When your breathing becomes labored, and you feel like you can’t catch your breath even if your life depended on it- that’s where bronchodilators come in.

Bronchodilators are medications that work by relaxing the muscles around the airways in our lungs to help us breathe more easily and relieve asthma symptoms.

So don’t worry, my friend! You’ve come to the right place because I know just what bronchodilators will make you feel better faster than Usain Bolt sprinting for gold!

Quick Relief Inhalers (short-acting beta2 agonists – SABAs)

These little inhalers contain medicines called short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs) which open up your airways fast. They’re rescue inhalers and give immediate relief for people who have frequent non-severe asthma attacks.

Some of the most commonly used SABAs include:

  • Albuterol
  • Levalbuterol
  • Pirbuterol
  • Terbutaline

They work quickly within 5 minutes but their effect doesn’t last long; only a few hours max so they should not be relied upon over long periods.

Long Acting Beta Agonist

Unlike SABA’s which provide quick-relief, LABA’s tend to be longer-lasting i.e., up to 12 hours or more depending on dosage but take some time before effects kick in compared with SABAS i.e usually an hour after use.

Almost always given together with a glucocorticoid steroid medication as part of controller care plan for stable moderate or severe asthmatics – never alone hence why must always check inhaler labels carefully so no confusion happens about how much medicine is being ingested – otherwise someone might get way too high off these asthma inhalers.

Examples of LABAs include:

  • Salmeterol
  • Formoterol

Anticholinergics (Muscarinic agents)

Another type of bronchodilator medicine is called an anticholinergic.

These work by blocking a chemical messenger in the body that triggers bronchoconstriction – the narrowing and constriction of the airways that make it harder to breathe.

Anticholinergics are used as alternative medication for people who cannot tolerate beta-agonists or steroid medications due to side effects such as sudden-onset stress vomiting, hallucination willy-nilly or being socially awkward drug use uncontrollably (just kidding).

They can take up to 1 hour before they start working but their effect lasts longer than SABAs.

Some well-known anticholinergics include:

  • Ipratropium
  • Tiotropium
  • Aclidinium

Theophylline Derivatives

Theophylline derivatives are not usually first-choice asthma medicines because other treatments tend to be more effective at controlling symptoms. Plus, these kinds of drugs have too many nasty side effects like nausea/vomiting, seizures head-spinning going bald breathing difficulties dizziness rashes pimples allergic reactions snoring insomnia bad breath foot spasms hives migraines diarrhea/constipation and some problems involving blurring vision so better go watch out for those lest you pop them into your mouth like candy “accidentally.”

That said, sometimes doctors might prescribe them alongside another bronchodilator for people with pretty severe asthma which tends not responding adequately using just one treatment option e.g., For patients whose condition isn’t controlled due to hyperresponsive hyperventilation (yes folks such terms exist – do checkout with your pulmonologist).

Under no circumstances should patients exceed prescribed doses since increasing dosage needs supervision from medical personnel; increased levels could cause deadly cardiac arrhythmia.

Examples of theophylline derivatives include:

  • Aminophylline
  • Theophylline

Combination Inhalers

Sometimes, doctors prescribe combination inhalers that contain both SABAs and corticosteroids which help by opening up airways while also reducing swelling around them. All-in-one solution and perfect for asthmatic kids not wanting to carry too many meds with them (hurray!).

Some popular examples of these include:

  • Advair Diskus i.e Fluticasone/ Salmeterol
  • Symbicort Turbuhaler i.e Budesonide/Formoterol

Conclusion

So folks, there you have it! All the lowdown on your bronchodilator options when facing an asthma attack. Whether it’s using short-acting beta2 agonists as a quick relief or long-acting beta agonist/glucocorticoid combos in more severe cases where chronic control is needed – all information laid bare for you!

Remember: always consult pulmonologist for care evaluation during bouts of respiratory distress; never attempt self-administration unless explicitly advised so since different medications will work better/worse depending on individual patient histories/preferences. As always discussed here must merely act as general guide, any medical inquiries need professional diagnosis or treatment plan from experienced clinician staff – but I guess y’all know this already yeah?

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