Asthma Attack Treatment: Inhaled Corticosteroids

For long term control of asthma, one of the most preferred medications available is inhaled corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are the most effective long-term control medicine to relieve airway inflammation and swelling that makes the airways sensitive to certain substances that are breathed in.

Reducing inflammation prevents the chain reaction leading to asthma symptoms. Most people who take these medicines daily find they greatly reduce symptom severity and how often they occur. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally safe when taken according to the prescription. They're different from the illegal anabolic steroids atheletes get fried for.

Inhaled coricosteroids aren't habit-forming, even if you use them every single day for years. But, like many other medicines, inhaled corticosteroids can have side effects. Most doctors agree that the pros of taking inhaled corticosteroids and preventing asthma attacks outweigh the cons.

One side effect of using inhaled corticosteroids is a mouth infection called thrush. You can use a spacer or holding chamber while taking your inhaled corticosteroids to avoid it. A spacer or holding chamber is attached to your inhaler when taking medicine to keep the medicine from landing in your mouth or on the back of your throat. Work with your health care team if you have any questions in using a spacer or holding chamber. Rinsing your mouth with water after taking your corticosteroid inhalant medication can also lower your risk of thrush.

If you're having severe asthma, you may need to take corticosteroid pills or liquid for short periods to get your asthma under control. If taken for long periods, these medicines increases your risk for cataracts and osteoporosis. A cataract is the clouding of your eye's lenses. Osteoporosis is a disorder that makes your bones weaker and brittle.

Your doctor may have you add another long-term asthma control medication to lower your dose of corticosteroids. Or, your doctor might suggest calcium and vitamin D pills to strengthen your bones. There are various asthma treatments available and the best one for you will depend on your asthma severity.

Johnson Star was an asthma sufferer for 20 years. For more detailed instructions and help on asthma attack treatment , be sure to visit http://www.17minasthmaandallergysecrets.com/, and get your FREE 10-day mini-ecourse today.