best peptide for asthma FAQ

Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat) is a long-acting anticholinergic medication. Anticholinergics relax and enlarge (dilate) the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier (bronchodilators). Tiotropium bromide is a maintenance medication used once a day along with other maintenance drugs when tighter control is needed for symptom relief. It’s not a rescue inhaler. This drug may be used by people ages 6 and older who have asthma.

Montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo) are called leukotriene modifiers. Leukotrienes are inflammatory chemicals your body releases that trigger mucus production and cause your airway muscles to tighten. Leukotriene modifier drugs help control asthma by blocking the actions of leukotrienes in the body. Studies show that these medications can help improve airflow and reduce asthma symptoms. Leukotriene modifiers are taken as pills and have been shown to decrease the need for other asthma medications. These medications have also been shown to work well in people with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) and may work well in people with both allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Side effects of systemic steroids can include acne, mood or behavior changes, an upset stomach, thinning of the bones, and eye changes (glaucoma and cataracts). These side effects rarely occur with short-term use, such as for an acute asthma attack. Steroids have many potential side effects, especially when given orally and for a long period of time. Side effects with short-term steroid use include:

The benefits of inhaled steroids for better asthma control far exceed their risks, and include:

Inhaled steroids are the mainstay treatment for controlling asthma. The use of inhaled steroids leads to:

The most common side effects are pharyngitis (a sore throat), a headache, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Other reactions include:

Using systemic steroids (steroids taken by mouth or by injection that can affect the entire body) such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, and prednisolone helps to treat severe asthma episodes, allowing you to gain better asthma control. Prednisone and other steroid drugs may be used to help control sudden and severe asthma attacks or, in rare cases, to treat long-term, hard-to-control asthma. Most often, prednisone or another steroid is taken in high doses for a few days (called a steroid burst) for a more severe asthma attack.

Mepolizumab (Nucala) is a biologic therapy that has been found to control the blood cells that often trigger asthma. Mepolizumab targets interleukin-5 (IL-5) which regulates the levels of blood eosinophils (the type of white blood cells that helps trigger asthma). Genetically engineered, mepolizumab keeps IL-5 from binding to eosinophils and, thereby, lowers the risk of a severe asthma attack. Mepolizumab is given as a shot once every four weeks and is meant to be used along with other asthma treatments as a maintenance medication. By using mepolizumab, some people have not only have fewer asthma incidents, but they’re able to reduce the amount of their other asthma medications. Side effects include headaches and a reaction that can cause swelling of the face and tongue, dizziness, hives, and breathing problems. Omalizumab (Xolair), an immunomodulator, works differently from other anti-inflammatory medications for asthma. Omalizumab blocks the activity of IgE (a protein that is overproduced in people with allergies) before it can lead to asthma attacks. Immunomodulator treatment has been shown to help reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe allergic asthma whose symptoms aren’t controlled with inhaled steroids. Omalizumab, a prescription maintenance medication, is given as a shot every two to four weeks. It's recommended for people with moderate to severe allergic asthma. Side effects may include:

The most common side effects of leukotriene modifiers are

The main types of anti-inflammatory drugs for better asthma control are steroids or corticosteroids. Other anti-inflammatory treatments include leukotriene modifiers and immunomodulators.

Inhaled steroids have few side effects, especially at lower doses. Thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) and hoarseness can happen, but it’s rare. Rinsing your mouth, gargling after using your asthma inhaler, and using a spacer device with metered dose inhalers can help prevent these side effects. Thrush is easily treated with a prescription antifungal lozenge or rinse. Inhaled steroids (asthma inhalers) are safe for adults and children. Side effects with these anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers are minimal. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose that effectively controls your child's or your asthma. On a side note, many parents are concerned about giving their children “steroids.” Inhaled steroids are not the same as anabolic steroids that some athletes take to build muscle. These steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs, the cornerstone of asthma therapy. There are many benefits of using anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers to manage asthma.