The exact cause of one of the most common respiratory disorders, asthma, is not known. In most cases, it appears that a family history of allergies and environmental factors play an important role. The immediate cause is inflammation of the walls of the bronchi which allows air to the alveoli part of the lungs. As these tube walls get inflamed, the muscles of the wall thicken and narrow the passage inside. This leads to the typical asthma symptoms which include tightness of chest and a high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing and coughing. One may even have a running nose and closed nose too. Some asthma symptoms may be seasonal or may depend on the allergen that one is sensitive to.
The approach to asthma treatments usually depends on the severity of the symptoms. In chronic cases, the treatment is basically to control the symptoms on day to day basis. A good control of the day to day symptoms reduces the chances of the periodic exacerbation the disease is prone to have. Inhalers are the cornerstone of the treatment of asthma symptoms like wheezing, tightening of chest etc Those used to check day to day symptoms are called preventers. These are nasally administered steroids and are a long acting beta agonist. They deplete calcium in the bones as a side reaction on long term continuous use and are therefore recommended for short term use, only usually a week at a time. Therefore, it is important patients stick to the recommendations and report any side reactions immediately to the concerned doctor. Beta agonists can precipitate a severe attack in some cases. In consultation with an allergy specialist or immunologist can identify the triggers. One may be able to desensitize oneself and probably get rid of the problem altogether, or devise ways to avoid coming in contact with them.
Preventer inhalers have been long-standing solutions to asthma and contain nasal drugs. These have lesser side effects on long term usage than oral drugs. Relievers are medicines needed to give quick relief in sudden flare ups. In rare cases, these may produce some uncomfortable symptoms like aggression, agitation and depression etc. Inform the doctor promptly in such cases. Long-acting beta agonists are inhaled medication which keep the bronchi open for long time. There is some chance of a severe attack with these. It is better to take them in conjunction with a nasal drug.