If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which children asthma medications are best suited for them.
While all cases of asthma vary and require personalized treatment plans prescribed by medical professionals, there are 5 main medication categories used to treat and manage the condition in children: preventer inhalers, reliever inhalers, tablets/syrups, leukotriene receptor agonists (LTRA)s, and allergy-desensitization shots.
We’ll explore each one of these asthma medications for children within this blog post so you can understand their effects as well as how they might help your child breathe easier.
Overview of Asthma in Children
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions worldwide, but it’s particularly common among children. Asthma in children can be scary and disruptive, causing wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, which can make it challenging for them to participate in everyday activities, such as running around with friends or playing sports.
The condition is caused by inflammation in the airways, and while there is no cure, there are many ways to manage asthma to reduce its impact on a child’s life. Treatment options include medications, such as inhalers and nebulizers, as well as lifestyle changes to help minimize triggers.
By learning more about how asthma affects children and how to manage it, parents and caregivers can help their little ones breathe easier and enjoy a healthy, active childhood.
Also read: Best Montessori Toys for Toddlers
Types of Children Asthma Medications
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids are known for their ability to treat inflammation in the airways caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their cost can be a concern for many patients.
Singulair is a medication that has been widely prescribed for these conditions in addition to inhaled corticosteroids, but you may want to check for the price of Singulair to plan your budget in that direction. All in all, with the help of a healthcare provider, patients can find the right asthma treatment plan that fits their needs and budget.
Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs)
Short-acting beta-agonists, or SABAs, are medications commonly used to treat asthma symptoms. These medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways in the lungs, which can help to relieve symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
SABAs are typically used as a “rescue” medication when asthma symptoms flare up, but they can also be used before exercise or other activities that may trigger asthma symptoms. While SABAs can be very effective at relieving symptoms quickly, it’s important to use them as directed and not rely on them too heavily.
Overuse of SABAs can actually make asthma symptoms worse over time, so it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an asthma management plan that includes the appropriate use of SABAs and other asthma medications for child.
Also read: How to Choose A Pediatrician
Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs)
Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are a class of medications commonly used to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the name suggests, LABAs work by stimulating beta receptors in the lungs to help relax and open airways, making it easier to breathe.
Unlike short-acting beta-agonists, LABAs can provide relief for up to 12 hours, making them a valuable tool for managing respiratory conditions. However, it is important to note that LABAs should always be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid to reduce the risk of serious side effects such as asthma-related deaths.
With the right care and management, LABAs can help those with respiratory disorders breathe easier and live a fuller, healthier life.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers are a class of medications used to manage and prevent asthma symptoms. These medications work by blocking the production of leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the body that play a role in inflammatory responses and the narrowing of the airways.
Unlike traditional asthma medications, leukotriene modifiers are taken orally, making them a convenient option for those who struggle with inhalers or nebulizers. They have been shown to be effective in reducing asthma symptoms, improving lung function, and decreasing the need for rescue medications.
Additionally, leukotriene modifiers may have a role in managing allergies and exercise-induced asthma. If you suffer from asthma, talk to your healthcare provider about whether a leukotriene modifier may be a good option for you.
Theophylline
Theophylline, also known under the brand name Theo-24, is a medication primarily used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, improving breathing and increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the lungs.
Despite its efficacy in managing respiratory conditions, theophylline can have some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. It is therefore important to use the medication as prescribed and report any adverse reactions to a healthcare professional. With proper use, however, theophylline can help individuals with respiratory conditions live a better quality of life.
Conclusion
When it comes to treating asthma in children, the most important thing is to find the right balance between managing symptom relief and avoiding side effects. The children asthma medications discussed today provide a variety of options for parents and physicians.
Inhaled corticosteroids can provide symptom relief while minimizing systemic effects, while short-acting and long-acting beta-agonists help ease breathing difficulty associated with asthma on an as-needed basis. Leukotriene modifiers act like anti-inflammatory agents in the airways, reducing the amount of inflammation present.
Finally, theophylline can reduce inflammation caused by eosinophilic granulocytes when used judiciously. All of these medications can be used to treat symptoms in children effectively, but they should always be used under the direct supervision of a pediatrician and physician experienced in treating childhood asthma.
