Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by excessive secretion of mucous in the tubes. Asthma is a chronic lung disease. This causes your airways to be narrowed and inflamed, making it harder to breathe. Severe asthma can affect talking and being active to the patient.
Causes of Asthma:
The exact causes of asthma are unknown. But some common causes of asthma are:
- Infections like sinusitis, colds, and the flu.
- Allergens (Pollens, dust mites, dander etc.)
- Irritants(strong odours of perfumes or solutions used for cleaning purposes)
- Air pollution.
- Smoking
- Exercise.
- Cold air
- Changes in the weather.
Symptoms of Asthma:
Asthma cannot be cured, but symptoms of asthma can be controlled. This is because asthma symptoms change over time.
Some common symptoms of asthma are:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (common sign of asthma in children)
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath caused by coughing or wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Coughing or wheezing attacks that can be worsened due to any respiratory virus, like cold or flu etc.
- Wheezing that causes a whistling sound when you breathe
Singulair: Proficient drug to Treat Asthma
Singulair comes under a class of drugs called leukotriene receptor antagonists. Singulair is the brand name drug of montelukast sodium which is its generic name. Singulair (montelukast) is an oral medication used for allergies as well as the long-term treatment of allergic asthma. It does not work as well as other commonly used inhalers for asthma. Singulair is usually an additional treatment for asthma that is difficult to control.
Treatment of Asthma:
Bronchodilators is a class of drugs which works by relaxing the muscles around the airways of lungs and opening them up and helps the patient to breathe easily. Albuterol belongs to SABA(shorter acting beta agonist) and it works as a bronchodilator by which relaxes the muscles of airways in the lungs that increases the flow of air to the lungs. This increased flow of air thus helps the patient to breathe easily. Ventolin HFA is an inhalation solution which contains albuterol sulfate as an active constituent and it is used in the treatment of asthma. Ventolin HFA as an inhalation solution is a quick-relief medication. Ventolin HFA is the brand name of a drug containing albuterol sulfate which is its generic name.
Ventolin HFA Uses:
Ventolin HFA inhalation solution as a bronchodilator is used in treatment of certain types of asthma and to prevent bronchospasm. Some important Ventolin HFA uses are given as:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- In treatment of acute or severe bronchospasm
- To prevent exercise-induced Bronchospasm
- To treat wheezing and shortness of breath
Ventolin HFA Dosage:
Proper aseptic technique should be used whenever bottles are opened to avoid microbial contamination. Care should be taken to ensure that the dropper tip of the bottle does not contact any surface, including the nebulizer reservoir and associated ventilation equipment. Also, if the solution is discoloured or cloudy, it should not be used.
- Ventolin HFA Dosage for bronchospasm due to Asthma:
For the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm the usual dose of Ventolin HFA is two inhalations taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Maximum dose of Ventolin HFA is two inhalations every four hours.
- Ventolin HFA Dosage for exercise-induced bronchospasm:
To prevent exercise-induced bronchitis, the usual dose of Ventolin HFA is two inhalations, taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
- Ventolin HFA Dosage for children of 2 to 12 years of age:
For children 2 to 12 years of age, the initial dose is based on body weight (0.1 to 0.15 mg/kg body weight) and then desired clinical response. Do not exceed the dose by 2.5 millilitres 3-4 times per day by nebulization.
An appropriate volume of 0.5% inhalation solution must be diluted with sterile saline to a total volume of 3 ml for administration by nebulization.
- Ventolin HFA Dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age:
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 2.5 mg of albuterol nebulized 3-4 times a day. It is not recommended to use too much or more. To administer 2.5 mg albuterol, dilute 0.5 mL of 0.5% inhalation solution with 2.5 mL of sterile saline.
Ventolin HFA Interactions:
There are many drugs that can interact with albuterol sulfate so any drug should be given carefully to avoid the occurrence of different adverse effects. Some Ventolin HFA interactions are given as:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Beta Blockers
- Certain Diuretics
- Digoxin
Ventolin HFA Side Effects:
There are some common Ventolin HFA side effects which are as follows:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Fast heart beat
- Dizziness
- Tremors or shakiness
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping
- Change in taste
- Dry mouth
Ventolin Precautions and Warnings:
There are certain precautions before taking Ventolin HFA so patients should be careful to take this medication. These include:
- Seizures Disorder: If you are already suffering from seizures disorder should tell the doctor about their condition before taking Ventolin HFA inhaler as it can worsen the situation.
- Hyperthyroidism: If a patient is already having issues of hyperthyroidism he/she should tell his/her doctor as the use of albuterol sulfate (Ventolin HFA) without consultation can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Diabetes: Ventolin HFA inhalers can cause complications to the people already having diabetes, so the patient should consult his doctor before taking the medicine.
- Heart Problems: Ventolin HFA inhaler is not safe for those who have heart problems or high blood pressure so a person should consult the doctor before taking it.
- Allergic Reactions: You should not take Ventolin if you are allergic to albuterol or any other inactive ingredient which is present in Ventolin.
- Pregnancy: Albuterol sulfate (Ventolin HFA) is safe to use in regular doses during pregnancy if you have trouble breathing. It may help with sudden onset of shortness of breath, but it won’t help control wheezing symptoms over time.
- Breastfeeding: Using an albuterol inhaler is not thought to cause high enough levels in a person’s blood to pass into breast milk in large quantities. For use during breastfeeding, inhaled bronchodilators are generally considered acceptable.
Ventolin HFA Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- It can be used in children at the age of 4 years old.
- It is available in different types of inhalers in case any one kind doesn’t work for you.
- It works within minutes so that you can breathe easily.
Cons:
- Children may find it difficult to use its inhaler form.
- It is not good for people having heart problems.
- Due to its shorter duration of action, you have to use it many times a day.
