Asthma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic inflammation and reactions to triggers narrow the airways in the lungs. Asthma can become life-threatening if it is not managed.
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Medicines:
- Bronchodilators open your airways and make it easier to breathe.
- Steroids reduce inflammation in your airways.
- Medicines may be used to help your body prevent allergic reactions that trigger your asthma.
- Antibiotics are sometimes used to help control asthma.
Monitoring:
- Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen level in your blood.
- Blood tests check for infection, measure oxygen levels, and show how well your kidneys are working.
Tests:
- Lung function tests measure airflow in your lungs and show how well your lungs are working.
- A chest x-ray will check for other lung problems.
Treatment:
- IV fluids help prevent dehydration.
- Oxygen may be given if the level of oxygen in your blood gets too low.
- A ventilator is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
You may be at an increased risk for a collapsed lung, a lung infection, or other lung problems.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Asthma
Treatment options
Care guides
- Asthma
- Asthma in Children
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction
- Moderate and Severe Persistent Asthma
- Reactive Airways Disease
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
