Do you know what to do or what medication to use when you or a loved one is having an asthma attack? Are you aware of which medications are used to prevent an asthma attack from occurring?

There are medications that are to be used in an emergency situation (when someone is having an asthma attack). They are called short-acting beta2-agonists. An example of this medication is albuterol. These medications help open the airways in the lungs and make it easier to breathe.

If these medications are being used every day, it may be possible that another type of inhaled medication should be added. These medications are corticosteroids. These are not the same kinds of steroids that we hear about some athletes using when they want to "bulk up." They work in a different way. Corticosteroids are inhaled medications that will help prevent an asthma attack from occurring because they decrease the inflammation in the airways. This helps the airways in the lungs from becoming blocked and an asthma attack occurring. Examples of these medications are Vanceril and Flovent.

Other medications can help open the airways in the lungs and keep them open a longer time than the short-acting medications like albuterol. An example of this type of medication is Serevent. Medications like this and the corticosteroids need to be used on a regular basis to have the best overall effect.

Recently our pharmacy sponsored an information and education seminar about asthma. In November, there is an Asthma Education Day which we support. For more information about asthma medications call Jake Mossman at Taos Pharmacy (505) 758-3342.

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