Beyond Allergy » Allergic Asthma

Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:51:39 +0000

Cetirizine, which is sold under the trade name, Zyrtec, is a non-sedating second generation antihistamine. An antihistamine prevents sneezing, wheezing, itching of the nasal passages, and itching of the eyes caused by allergic symptoms. The medication blocks the effects of histamines that cause allergic reactions. It is primarily prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis caused by indoor and seasonal allergies to substances such as dust mites, mold spores, tree, grass, and weed pollen, as well as animal dander. It is also used to treat skin allergies like hives (urticaria), angioedema, and hay fever as well as other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly prescribed in combinations with pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant.

Xopenex (Levalbuterol)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:50:47 +0000

Xopenex (Levalbuterol) is a bronchodilator prevents and treats chest tightness, shortness of breath, troubled breathing and wheezing associated with bronchospasm. It relaxes the muscles in the walls of the airways leading to the lungs. It allows the airways to expand to allow more air to flow freely in and out of the lungs. Is is primarily prescribed for lung condititions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung infections, acute bronchitis among other conditions. This medication can be administered using a nebulizer or a hand-held inhaler. Also, levalbuterol can be subtituted for low dose of albuterol.

Combivent etc. (Albuterol; Ipratropium)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:50:06 +0000

Combivent is a combination of bronchodilator drugs, albuterol and ipratropium, that prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and obstructive breathing caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles in the airways to prevent bronchospasm. The action enlarges the airways to allow air to flow freely in and out of the lungs.
Albuterol and ipratropium work differently though. Albuterol is sympathomimetic and works as a rescue medication bringing quick relief of asthma symptoms. On the other hand, ipratropium is anticholinergic and is a long-lasting bronchodilator that is used as asthma prevention therapy and not as a rescue medication. Combivent is available as a metered-dose aerosol inhaler delivering 90mcg of albuterol plus 18mcg of ipratropium per actuation of the inhaler.

Xolair (Omalizumab)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:49:28 +0000

Omalizumab is a protein resembling a human antibody (proteins that fight infection-causing bacteria and allergy-causing pollens) which is available in an injectable form used for asthma treatment. Once the antibodies recognize a foreign substance, they attach to receptor cells which then release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction leading to inflammation. Omalizumab works by preventing the antibodies from attaching to the cells therefore stopping them from releasing their chemicals, thus preventing an allergic reaction. Since allergic reactions can cause asthma, omalizumab can reduce the chances of an attack by preventing an allergic reaction. The injectable solution is manufactured as sterile powder in a 5 ml vial (150 mg) to be mixed with water. It should be kept refrigerated and used within 8 hours, but if kept at room temperature it should be used within 4 hours. Dosage should be determined by a qualified physician.

Marax etc. (Theophylline; Ephedrine; Hydroxyzine HCl)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:48:36 +0000

Marax is a combination of ephedrine sulfate, theophylline, and hydroxyzine HCl. It widens the airways in the lungs to ease breathing and is used to treat respiratory symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses. Ephedrine is chemically similar to amphetamines and is used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, decongestant, concentration aid, and hypotension treatment associated with regional anaesthesia. As a bronchodilator, it relaxes the muscles and relieves congestion from bronchial asthma. Ephedrine, exported from China, is derived from a Chinese herb, Ephedra sinica (ma huang). It is marketed in the hydrochloride and sulfate forms. Theophylline is used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways, in patients who have asthma. It is also prescribed for prevention of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other lung diseases, controling wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. It is a safe and effective drug to use in asthma prevention. Hydroxyzine HCl acts as a modifier to the stimulatory action of ephedrine by preventing excitation in patients on Marax.

Vacuum Cleaners (HEPA)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:46:27 +0000

Allergy approved vaccum cleaners are usually made with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air filters that reduce the amount of airborn allergens dispersed during vacuuming. HEPA filters use activated carbon and zeolite to remove gases, odors, chemicals, toxins and vapors. There are two basic styles, upright and canister. The upright HEPA vacuum stands on its own as a single unit, with some having an attachment hose to clean hard to reach corners. However, upright vaccums tend to leak more dusty air back into the room. HEPA canister vaccum cleaners are more effective and have a compact design that can be rolled along as you vaccum. They are more powerful because they have a separate motor. With regular vacuuming and proper maintainance of the HEPA vacuum cleaner and filters, it would be easier to manage asthma-causing allergens in the home.

Theo-Dur etc. (Theophylline)

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 23:27:09 +0000

Theophylline is used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing of the airways, in patients who have asthma. It is also prescribed for prevention of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other lung diseases, controlling wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. It is a methylxanthine, a long-acting bronchodilator medication that relaxes and opens up the air passages in the lungs, making it easier for the patient to breath. After first being isolated in 1888, it remains to be the most commonly used medication in the world for asthma prevention. It decreases the need to take acute asthma relief medications and is an effective steroid-sparing agent. Theophylline is sold under several trade names: Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, and Slo-Phyllin. It is available in the following formulations: Tablets (100mg, 200mg 300mg, 400mg, 450mg), syrups, and solutions. Only a physician can determine the correct dosage for each individual based on their weight, age, and the theophylline blood level. Compared with other bronchodilators, theophylline is effective and is a safer option.

Exercise Aerobics

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:55:03 +0000

There are incidents of exercise-induced asthma with more vigorous activities such as running and jogging that expose the airways to larger volumes of dry air. The best activities for those with asthma are less strenuous activities such as yoga or swimming, or aerobics which develops your breathing and heart capacity. Aerobic exercise is the use of oxygen in the energy-generating process of the muscles in the body. Aerobic in fact means “with oxygen” and aerobic exercise uses oxygen, at moderate intensity levels, to burn fats and glucose in order to produce ATP (adenophine triphosphate), the energy carriers of cells. Regular exercise breaks down the glycogen into glucose.

But if the habit of exercising was stopped, fat metabolism slows down followed by a decline in performance level in the individual. Studies reveal that moderate exercise (and maybe even weight training) can help alleviate depression.
Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, improves overall cardiovascular fitness, controls the weight level, and promotes better sleeping habits.

Acupuncture

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:50:20 +0000

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 3000 years ago and is one of the most widely used healing systems in the world. The medical technique uses needles inserted at particular point on the body to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang. This unblocks the Chi, the energy that controls mind and body, which is believed to flow through the body through 20 meridians, restoring balance. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, the Chi is blocked.
There are 500 specific acupuncture points where needles can be inserted for specific effects to different organs or bodily functions. In today’s science, this suggests that acupuncture may stimulate the nervous system to produce endorphins which reduce pain.

The typical acupuncture treatment involves leaving the inserted needle in for period of 15-30 minutes, and would involve multiple sessions. The treatment could take months but are proven effective.

Immunotherapy: Injections (Allergy Shots)

admin — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:49:24 +0000

Allergies cannot be cured by medicines. Allergy medications only offer relief from the symptoms. To cure allergies, or reduce the symptoms, the patient must undergo desensitization through allergy shots. This process is called immunotherapy. Our immune system naturally responds to substances in our environment, but in some individuals with allergies, their immune system response is adverse triggering allergy symptoms.

With the allergy shots, the immune system reaction to an allergen can be altered. By giving small but increasing amounts of the allergen at regular intervals, tolerance increases.
The result is immunity to the allergen, so that the body can tolerate them with fewer or no symptoms.