Asthma is a disease of the airways with recurring symptoms. Coughing and wheezing are the most common symptoms. Coughing accentuates sputum release from the lungs. Colder environs cause increase in severity of asthmatic bouts. Psychological problems and asthma are interrelated. Air pollution due to dust, pollen or smoke and presence of allergens are main factors in deteriorating asthmatic conditions of affected patients. Non-exposure to bacteria and viruses in early childhood, due to increased levels of hygiene and reduced interaction with natural environs, are also cited as contributing elements of the genesis of this chronic disease. A very large variety of medicines and drugs are tried in combating asthma, but the no foolproof formulation is found yet.
Medicines and drugs of relieving type and preventive type are being used and are also recommended by medical practitioners. Side effects of drugs of both types are experienced by users. There can be variation in extent of severity and the time interval of the side effects. However, no wonder drug is discovered so far, with zero side effects. There are mainly three types of medications used by asthma patients. Quick relief medications, sometimes administered intravenously are used for fighting severe attacks. Second type includes drugs for specific allergens. The third type contains long term dosages for asthma control. Treatment histories of a large number of patients have shown that reactions arising out of drug usage are alarmingly damaging. A great churning in thinking process of medical practitioners and researchers has resulted in critical examination of efficacy of asthma drugs. Use of certain drugs, although benefiting the patient by suppressing asthma symptoms, are believed to cause other body disorders.
- Brittle bones
- Indigestion
- Acidity and heartburn
- Increased body weight due to constant feeling of hunger
- Increased vulnerability to cataract, chicken pox and diabetes
- Depression
Oral steroids, often used for treating asthmatic bouts, are said to cause reduced immunity to new triggers, particularly in children. Many a times long term medications consist of using inhalers, which include anti-inflammatory drugs. Children using such inhalers for a prolonged period have exhibited slightly delayed growth. In some rare cases, patients have shown abrupt mood changes.
Prolonged asthmatic conditions can lead to lung damage and hence long term usage of steroids are justifiably recommended by physicians to fight the disease. The goal is sometimes achieved with very little co-lateral damage to the patient’s body system. Constant monitoring of the patient’s health level is an absolute necessity to effectively counter side effects of medications. Some tentative remedies for offsetting side effects include first intake of the drug in the morning, using of calcium supplements, exercises aimed at weight control. Drugs, in spite of their side effects are best available primary tools to fight asthma.
Drug administration authorities are working in tandem to reduce the incidences of the drug’s side effects. In the absence of more effective formulations, currently known drugs are being tried in various combinations. These formulations may not be completely safe, but undoubtedly, altogether avoidance of drugs will be absolutely unsafe. Saying no to medicines would eventually mean surrendering to the tragic inevitable. The best policy for doctor and asthmatic patient duo would be giving weighted preferences to tested medicines and drugs. Yoga therapy is another effective answer to drugs. Studies have shown that Yoga helps improve lung functions and works also as a constructive tool for overcoming mood disorders, otherwise experienced by asthma drugs.
