How they work?
They decrease the sensitivity
of the airways. They prevent
asthmatic symptoms from starting by blocking inflammation. If there
is no inflammation, there will be no asthmatic symptoms. The airways
stay normal. Daily use of preventive medication can make you feel
like you don't have asthma!
Examples
Cromolyn (Fintal, Cromal).
Nedocromil (Tilade).
Inhaled corticosteroid (Beclate, Becoride, Pulmicort).
Use
Daily
To be effective, preventive medicine must be used every day.
These medicines take 1 to 2 weeks to start working, and up to 6
weeks to work best. Since they do not make you feel better
immediately, you must be tempted to stop using them. DON'T!
Caution
Preventive medications do not provide rapid relief of
asthma symptoms. Therefore, at the time of asthmatic attack
additional dose of such inhaler will not provide relief.
Possible side effects
Cromolyn and nedocromil are not steroids and are very safe. Side
effects are uncommon and those that occur are usually mild,
including a slight cough and an unpleasant taste.
The inhaled corticosteroids are safe when used in recommended
doses. Side effects are uncommon, but can include:
- Cough.
- Hoarse voice.
- Fungal infection in the mouth (with white spots in the mouth).
You can decrease side effects by using a spacer device and
washing your mouth after taking the medicine.
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