Drugs for Asthma and Allergies II
Medicines drivers: “The process of the disease in the symptoms of allergies and asthma involves inflammation and mucus production in the lining of the nose and airways caused by inflammation. There are three classes of drugs used to treat allergies and asthma and may prevent or reduce inflammation:
Mast cell stabilizers: are nonsteroidal medications that reduce inflammation by preventing the release of chemical agents that cause it.
* They include cromolyn (cromolyn) and nedocromil, and come in various forms to treat allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma.
* Some of these medicines are available without prescription to treat nasal allergies.
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs. When taken properly, are highly effective in the treatment of asthma and allergies. These medicines have nothing to do with anabolic steroids, which some athletes abuse.
* Corticosteroids come in creams or ointments, nasal sprays, inhalers, pills and injections.
* Their use must be supervised by a physician.
* May be needed to control a severe asthma that is not stabilized with other medicines.
* Oral corticosteroids are often seen as short-term medications for asthma attacks, excessive nasal congestion, and sometimes skin problems such as contact with poison ivy.
* The short-term side effects include weight gain, increased appetite, menstrual irregularities, muscle cramps, heartburn or irritation of the stomach lining. These effects should disappear shortly after you stop taking corticosteroids.
* Prolonged use (months or years) of oral corticosteroids can cause ulcers, weight gain, cataracts, decreased bone density, thin skin is easily injured, high blood pressure, excess sugar blood and lower growth in children.