HANDOUT

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA:

Pharmacological management:
A. Long term control medicine-
 Inhaled Corticosteroid-Most effective. E.g.- Hydrocortisone, Beclomethasone
 Leukotriene modifiers-Second line defense against asthma. E.g.- Montelukast, Zafirulkast
 Long acting β-agonist- keep breathing passage open for 12 hours or longer. They relax the muscle
of breathing passage, dilating it and decreasing resistance. E.g.- Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Salmetrol
 Methylxanthines-work as long acting Broncho-dilator. E.g.- Aminophylline, Theophylline
 Anti-IgE- Omalizumab
B. Quick-relief medications-
 Short acting beta agonist-Rapid onset, last four hours.eg- albuterol, Levalbuterol, pirbuterol.
 Anticholinergic- open breathing passages. Often used together with beta agonist to produce greater
effect.eg- ipratropium bromide.
 Oral and intravenous corticosteroid- prednisolone, methylprednisolone.
Non pharmacological management:
 Reduce exposure to allergens and irritants
 Avoid smoke
 Oxygen therapy
 Postural drainage & chest physiotherapy
 Coughing & deep breathing exercises
 Relaxation techniques
 Life style modification, education

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA:

Pharmacological management:
A. Long term control medicine-
 Inhaled Corticosteroid-Most effective. E.g.- Hydrocortisone, Beclomethasone
 Leukotriene modifiers-Second line defense against asthma. E.g.- Montelukast, Zafirulkast
 Long acting β-agonist- keep breathing passage open for 12 hours or longer. They relax the muscle
of breathing passage, dilating it and decreasing resistance. E.g.- Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Salmetrol
 Methylxanthines-work as long acting Broncho-dilator. E.g.- Aminophylline, Theophylline
 Anti-IgE- Omalizumab
B. Quick-relief medications-
 Short acting beta agonist-Rapid onset, last four hours.eg- albuterol, Levalbuterol, pirbuterol.
 Anticholinergic- open breathing passages. Often used together with beta agonist to produce greater
effect.eg- ipratropium bromide.
 Oral and intravenous corticosteroid- prednisolone, methylprednisolone.
Non pharmacological management:
 Reduce exposure to allergens and irritants
 Avoid smoke
 Oxygen therapy
 Postural drainage & chest physiotherapy
 Coughing & deep breathing exercises
 Relaxation techniques
 Life style modification, education