What are the medications for asthma?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Asthma, also known as bronchial asthma, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease involving various types of granulocytes. The main symptoms exhibited by patients are wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms typically occur in the early morning or at night. Currently, the medications used to treat asthma primarily include local inhalants and oral medications. The inhalants generally consist of a combination formulation of long-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Additionally, oral medications may include leukotriene receptor antagonists and histamine receptor antagonists. (The use of these medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
1min 28sec home-news-image

Asthma belongs to what department?

When we talk about asthma, we generally refer to bronchial asthma, which is a respiratory system disease. Therefore, the primary department to consult is, of course, the Department of Respiratory Medicine. If an asthma patient's condition is relatively stable, they can see a respiratory specialist through outpatient services. In hospitals without a Department of Respiratory Medicine, such as community health service centers or township health clinics, they can choose to see a general practitioner, also known as an internist. If an asthma patient suffers an acute attack of bronchial asthma and the condition is critical, they must then visit the Department of Emergency Medicine. The emergency department will decide based on the patient’s condition whether they should be kept for observation in the emergency room, be admitted to the general respiratory department, or be sent to the ICU for further emergency treatment. Additionally, there is another type of asthma known as cardiac asthma, which is a cardiovascular disease. The first choice for these patients is to see a cardiologist, although in severe cases, they should visit the Department of Emergency Medicine.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Asthma is not contagious.

It should be correctly recognized that asthma is an autoimmune disease associated with allergic constitution and genetic factors. It is not caused by a substantial pathogenic bacterial infection and generally is not contagious. Therefore, asthma is not contagious. We should have a correct understanding of this disease. During an acute exacerbation, one could choose corticosteroid drugs, as well as antiallergic medications. Symptomatic treatments that relieve asthma symptoms and using oxygen to alleviate hypoxia are also options.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can people with asthma eat eggs?

Asthma is a common respiratory disease, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Eggs are one of the most popular foods among Chinese people. So, can people with asthma still eat eggs? The exact cause of asthma is not very clear yet, but it may be related to certain allergic factors. For instance, allergies to some foods can trigger asthma attacks. These foods include fish, shrimp, eggs, milk, etc. Therefore, if one is allergic to these foods, they should not eat them. Thus, if an asthma patient is allergic to eggs, they should avoid eating eggs, but if they are not allergic, they can eat them.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can people with asthma run?

Patients with asthma are advised not to run, whether it is cardiac asthma or bronchial asthma, as running is considered a vigorous exercise. Running consumes a significant amount of body heat, which could potentially lower the patient's resistance to illness, leading to other symptoms and worsening the condition. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid running and instead engage in gentler aerobic exercises, such as Tai Chi, Tai Chi sword, or yoga. These exercises can help enhance physical fitness and improve resistance, aiding in disease recovery. Additionally, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy, greasy, cold, and irritating foods, drink plenty of water to promote excretion, and avoid exposure to cold air to prevent asthma symptoms from worsening.

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Written by Xia Bao Jun
Pulmonology
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Can asthma be cured?

Patients with bronchial asthma, if treated properly, can be cured. Although the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is not very clear at present, it is currently believed that bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways involving multiple cells. This chronic inflammation leads to increased airway reactivity, manifesting as reversible airflow limitation. It is different from chronic bronchitis, which involves irreversible airflow limitation. Therefore, through proper treatment, the condition can be improved, controlled, and cured. Patients should regularly and properly use their medications, including inhaled corticosteroids such as budesonide, taken twice daily. It should be used for more than three months before any reduction in dosage can be considered. The medication can be stopped only if no asthma occurs for a year.