| Q. |
What
are antihistamines and what are their side effects? |
| A. |
Antihistamines
are a preventative medication used mainly to combat hay fever,
itchy watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and dizziness, and
should be taken before going outdoors. If the latter symptoms
trigger your asthma, then proceeding to take antihistamines
should be discussed with your doctor. Side effects include
sleepiness, confusion, dry mouth, and irritability.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
What
are decongestants and what are their side effects? |
| A. |
Decongestants
are used to decrease nasal congestion and swelling. They work
by constricting blood vessels in the nose leading to the decrease
in nasal congestion. If nasal congestion persists, taking an
antihistamine in combination with a decongestant may be recommended
by your doctor. Side effects of decongestants include the rise
in blood pressure, thereby making the heart work faster. Decongestants
are not dangerous for children due to their strong hearts. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are
allergy shots useful in controlling asthma? |
| A. |
>No,
allergy shots do not have any relevance to asthma. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can
you overdose by taking too much asthma medication? |
| A. |
Of
course, you can overdose by taking too much of any medication.
All the more reason to check with your doctor often, and follow
the management plan discussed between the two of you. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What
is the function of the bronchodilator, and is it safe? |
| A. |
Bronchodilators
are strictly treatment medications used to treat symptoms of
wheezing or coughing, and prescribed for a short period of time
when symptoms are at their worst. They do not prevent airway
conditions associated with asthma attacks. Its main function
is to help breathing by relaxing the tight ring of muscle around
the airways. Bronchodilators are safe to use, but like with
any medication, there are side effects, including jitteriness,
insomnia, and loss of appetite. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How
does a nebulizer compare to a bronchodilator? |
| A. |
Very
similarly, a nebulizer is the machine used to administer albuterol,
the most common form of bronchodilators. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What
is the best way to use an inhaler? |
| A. |
An
inhaler is a pressurized canister with measured doses of medication
inside. Squeezing the canister emits misty medication into your
mouth that goes directly to your lungs, if used the proper way.
To do this properly, place your lips on the inhaler's mouthpiece,
and squeeze the canister while inhaling at the same time. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Is
a peak flow meter useful, and what do the numbers mean? |
| A. |
If
you have asthma, and you value your life, then yes, a peak flow
meter is useful. Peak flow meters are devices created to help
you manage your asthma, especially during physical activity.
They measure daily variations of your breathing and let you
know when your body has reached its physical limitation. Your
doctor will check your weight, height, gender, and other physical
attributes to determine your optimal number. The higher the
number, the safer you are from an asthma attack. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Why
are anti-inflammatory agents useful in asthma relief? |
| A. |
Asthma
attacks occur when the airways become inflamed and filled with
mucus, making it difficult, and in some cases, impossible to
breathe. Anti-inflammatories relieve these symptoms, and make
breathing easier. |
| |
|
| Q. |
My
child hates to take pills. Are there alternative forms of medication? |
| A. |
Many
asthma medications come in liquid form, as well as those administered
through a bronchodilator. Check with a doctor for the one that's
just right for your child. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How
do I store bronchodilators, and other asthma medications, and
do they get stale? |
| A. |
Everything
has an expiration date, even bronchodilators. Check them often
for freshness. |
| |
|
|
|
by
Allergy Buyers Club Medical Staff Writers
© Allergybuyersclub.com 2001
|
