Archive for the ‘asthma medications’ Category

children with asthma suffer because their disease is poorly controlled

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Cockroaches may be a major cause of the high level of asthma in children

Many children with asthma suffer because their disease is poorly controlled, causing sudden attacks and unplanned trips to the doctor’s office or emergency rooms each year, according to a recent national survey.The survey found that asthma interferes with many aspects of family life. Parents worry about allowing their kids to play at someone else’s house or to enjoy vigorous activities. They fear permanent damage to lungs and respiratory system.

Cockroaches may be a major cause of the high level of asthma in children in inner cities, a major national study reports today.Children who were allergic to cockroaches and who lived in roach-infested homes were hospitalized far more often for asthma and made more unplanned trips to a doctor because of asthma than other children, according to the study “They also had significantly more days of wheezing, missed school days, and nights with lost sleep” than children who are not exposed to these pests.

For millions of children with asthma, taking a deep breath is the stuff of dreams. Every breath they take is a struggle to provide their lungs with enough oxygen. They cough and wheeze, attacks brought on by allergies, pollution or secondhand smoke. Asthma is a chronic condition in which the lining of the lungs becomes inflamed when antigens or other stimuli are introduced. Attacks, characterized by wheezing and coughing, can be mild or can be fatal if left untreated.

It’s a common dilemma among children with asthma. Fellow classmates, frightened by the lung disease, hesitate to get close to them. Adults, including child-care providers, also approach children with asthma cautiously. Many adults who are highly educated fail to understand that asthma is defnitely not contagious.

banner1a children with asthma suffer because their disease is poorly controlled

 
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Bronchodilators are among the fastest selling drugs in the global healthcare market

Friday, September 5th, 2008

Bronchodilators are among the fastest selling drugs in the global healthcare market. Now that won’t come as a surprise considering the rate of prevalence for asthma. Today, over 300 million people worldwide suffer from this chronic respiratory disease and in the United States alone, expenses for asthma medications reached more than $60 Billion in 2007. Meanwhile, clinical studies have confirmed the risks pertinent to the extended use of long-acting bronchodilators, which include increased hospitalization and asthma-related deaths among asthma patients. Despite FDA mandate for adequate black box warnings in their packages, the risks of negative reactions prevail. If only an alternative medicine for asthma and respiratory conditions is available, then we wouldn’t have to contend with these severe side effects. But then there are in fact a number of herbs and natural remedies recognized in the practice of alternative medicine for their therapeutic effects on the lungs and the bronchioles, as well as for their tonic benefits on the respiratory tract and the immune system.

Asthma is a terrible disease and, if left untreated, can lead to hospitalization and even death. If you suffer from asthma we don’t have to tell you about the symptoms — the wheezing and shortness of breath, the chest pain or chest tightness, the difficulty sleeping and the shortness of breath during exercise. See your doctor first. Buteyko breathing technique The first natural remedy you can try is called the Buteyko breathing technique. This was developed by a Russian-born researcher and consists of shallow breathing exercises designed to help you breathe easier. It is based on the premise that raising carbon dioxide blood levels through shallow breathing will help as carbon dioxide is believed to dilate the smooth muscles of your airways. Trials undertaken in Brisbane, Australia, showed people taught the Buteyko Method were able to reduce Bronchodilator usage (symptom related medications) by 90% within six weeks; along with a marked improvement in quality of life (they felt much better). Herbs While many medical practitioners doubt the ability of herbs to help with asthma, there are some alternative medicines that have been used in Asia for centuries. Among the herbs that have been used to treat asthma include ginkgo biloba, Tylophora Indica, Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum. Many people do believe that these herbs along with breathing exercises and the right diet can lessen both the severity and frequency of your asthma attacks. 
Folk medicine has used the bitter gourd plant for treating asthma since ancient times. To use the bitter gourd roots mix a teaspoon of the root paste with an equal amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves and take this every night for a month. Garlic has also proven to give some people relief from asthma. If you are in the early stages of asthma, take 10 garlic cloves and boil them in 30 ml of milk. You should take this mixture once daily. You may also find you can keep the problem under control by adding two minced garlic cloves to steaming ginger tea.

Home Remedies for asthma : The most common home remedy for asthma is honey. The way the honey is used is to hold it under your nose and inhale the air that comes in contact with it. This may make breathing easier and deeper.

Lemon and figs Figs have also been used to treat asthma. They help by draining off the phlegm. Just clean the figs thoroughly with warm water and soak them overnight. Some asthma sufferers have found relief by using lemon juice diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals. Other natural remedies Other home remedies for asthma include drumstick leaves, ginger, bishops weed, and safflower. To treat asthma with the bishops weed, mix a teaspoon of it into a glass of buttermilk and take it twice daily. To use safflower, put a half teaspoon of the powder (of the dry seeds) into a tablespoon of honey and take this once or twice a day. This acts as an expectorant and can help reduce spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum.

healasthma2 Bronchodilators are among the fastest selling drugs in the global healthcare market
 

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children’s risk of developing asthma and allergies can begin in the mother’s womb

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Scientists recently confirmed what many holistic health practitioners have known all along: that children’s risk of developing asthma and allergies can begin in the mother’s womb. Mother’s Diet Does Make a Difference Several studies have shown that mother’s diet during pregnancy can increase or decrease the risk of allergies and asthma in children. A German study (Sausenthaler et al) found that certain foods, including margarine, raw sweet pepper and citrus, and also deep fried food, increase risk of some kinds of allergies, whereas a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (those found in fish and raw nuts) had a protective effect on children. A six-year study by Leda Chatzi and colleagues showed that eating a quality Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy may protect the unborn child from allergies and asthma. The classic Mediterranean diet - high in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish, legumes and nuts - has long been recognised for protecting against heart disease and cancer, and now we know that it can also help protect children from allergies and asthma.

 
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Resipitrol is a guaranteed natural solution that addresses the breathing problems associated to asthma. This product of MicroNutra Health is a no prescription medicine to be purchased directly from the manufacture. If used in the prescribed dosage resipitrol will be able to bring positive result within a few hours of medication. The natural ingredients used in this medicine are proved to be very effective to over come all the problems associated with asthma. Regular use of this medicine will also help your body to increase you peak air flow by more than 400%. If used for a few months continuously it will strengthen your respiratory system by improving and increasing air flow. It uses only the time tested all herbal natural ingredients to make this formula to treat asthma. These ingredients include Aloe barbadensis Extract, Tragacanth Gum, Beta-Glucan, Arabinogalactan, Glucosamine Sulphate and Ghatti. Resipitrol is a successful attempt from the part of MacroNutra Health to make a miraculous remedy to treat the disease asthma. Those who have experimented with other medicines must know the uselessness of using such medicines especially the chemical based ones to treat a problem like asthma.

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Asthma Medications : metaproterenol and Maxair

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

Orciprenaline also known as metaproterenol is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma. Orciprenaline is a moderately selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist that stimulates receptors of the smooth muscle in the lungs, uterus, and vasculature supplying skeletal muscle, with minimal or no effect on alpha-adrenergic receptors. The pharmacologic effects of beta adrenergic agonist drugs, such as orciprenaline, are at least in part attributable to stimulation through beta adrenergic receptors of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cAMP. Increased cAMP levels are associated with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from many cells, especially from mast cells.

Pirbuterol commercially available as Maxair is a beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma, available (as perbuterol acetate) as a breath-activated metered-dose inhaler. MAXAIR AUTOHALER is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation. It provides a fine-particle suspension of maxair acetate in the propellant mixture of trichioro-monofluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane, with sorbitan trioleate. Each actuation delivers 253 mcg of maxair (as maxair acetate) from the valve and 200 mcg of maxair (as maxair acetate) from the mouthpiece. The unit is breath-actuated such that the medication is delivered automatically during inspiration without the need for the patient to coordinate actuation with inspiration.

Maxair is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD). Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. maxair is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist) that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier. This medicine comes in an inhaler that automatically releases a puff of medicine when you inhale. The inhaler allows the drug to reach deep into the lungs for the most benefit. Because this type of inhaler is used differently than other types, be sure to follow directions closely.

banner2a Asthma Medications : metaproterenol and Maxair
 

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Asthma Medications: Indacaterol and xopenex

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

Indacaterol is an ultra long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist currently undergoing research. It needs only be taken once a day, unlike the currently available Formoterol and Salmeterol. Such drugs are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Indacaterol by Novartis is an effective and well-tolerated treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over 24 hours with a rapid onset of action. The combination of 24-hour efficacy and a reassuring safety profile suggests that in time, a once-daily dose of indacaterol could become a new standard of care for bronchodilation in asthma and COPD. Indacaterol could be the first beta2-agonist to be taken only once-daily providing full 24 hour symptom control with a single administration, in contrast to currently-available long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) such as salmeterol and formoterol which have to be taken twice-daily.

banner1a Asthma Medications: Indacaterol and xopenex
 

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Xopenex as a bronchodilator is used to treat asthma and COPD. In general, xopenex has similar pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties to albuterol; however, its manufacturer, Sepracor, has implied (although not directly claimed) that the presence of only the R-enantiomer produces fewer side effects.

Physicians sometimes elect to use xopenex in patients with a history of supraventricular tachycardia or other arrhythmias because it is thought that xopenex may produce less direct effects on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. For similar reasons, some pediatricians also use xopenex for patients who experience hyperactivity or jitteriness from racemic albuterol.

The use of xopenex over the more traditionally used racemic albuterol is controversial among health care professionals. That using xopenex instead of albuterol produces less direct effect on beta adrenergic receptors and/or fewer cardiac side effects has been suggested, but not consistently demonstrated by long term, well-designed clinical trials.

There are differing opinions on whether there is sufficient therapeutic benefit to using xopenex that outweighs the 5-10 times higher price tag. In general, it appears that if a clinician and patient feel that a low dose of racemic mixture is causing undesirable side effects, xopenex may be a viable alternative. xopenex was originally available only as a solution for nebulizer and eventually become available as a CFC-free metered dose inhaler under the trade name Xopenex HFA (xopenex tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol.

banner2a Asthma Medications: Indacaterol and xopenex
 

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Asthma Medications : Clenbuterol. Dosage and side effects of clenbuterol

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

Clenbuterol is a drug to releive breathing disorders and acts as a decongestant and bronchodilator. People with chronic breathing disorders like asthma use this as a bronchodilator to make breathing easier. It is most commonly available in salt form as Clenbuterol hydrochloride.

Clenbuterol is a beta adrenergic agonist similar to ephedrine, but its effects are more potent and longer-lasting as a stimulant and thermogenic drug. It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, central nervous system stimulation, and an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation. It increases the rate at which fat and protein is used up in the body at the same time as slowing down the storage of glycogen. It is commonly used for smooth muscle relaxant properties. This means that it is a bronchodilator and tocolytic. It is usually used in dosages anywhere from 20-60 micrograms a day when prescribed. A dose of about 150 % should never be exceeded in a day. It is also prescribed for treatment of horses; however, equestrian usage is usually the liquid form of clenbuterol. Clenbuterol is also a sympathomimetic in the peripheral nervous system. Clenbuterol produced for human consumption is generally in tablet form. The most common veterinarian preparation is a syrup. Clenbuterol is not approved for human use in Australia and is also banned under the Olympic Movement’s World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited Classes of Substances and Prohibited Methods.

Clenbuterol is approved for use in some countries as a bronchodilator for asthma patients. Recently though, the drug has been publicized for its off-label use as a weight loss drug. It is commonly used as a slimming aid despite lack of sufficient clinical evidence supporting such use. With many major diet review websites talking about clenbuterol, and given its accessibility via the internet, the drug is widely used as a “dietary supplement”. In fact, nowadays it is recommended by many physical trainers as the primary solution for those bodybuilders who desire to achieve sufficiently low body fat in order to look “cut”. In many cases, it is introduced into the training regime not as an illegal drug, but simply as a weight loss aid. This reduces some of the negative connotations attached to illicit drug use and thereby decreases any hesitation to take the drug on the part of the trainee.

banner1a Asthma Medications : Clenbuterol. Dosage and side effects of clenbuterol
 

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Clenbuterol is used worldwide for the treatment of allergic respiratory disease in horses, as it is a bronchodilator. A common trade name is Ventipulmin. It can be used both orally and intravenously. It is also a non-steroidal anabolic and metabolism accelerator, through a mechanism not well understood. Its ability to induce weight loss and a greater proportion of muscle to fat makes its illegal use in livestock popular.

The common side effects of clenbuterol include Headaches, Tremors, Cramps, Restlessness, Anxiety, Insomnia, Sweating, Increased appetite, Nausea, Palpitations, Nausea and Hypertension (high blood pressure). Clenbuterol is known to cause very high blood pressure resulting in serious cardiac problems. Unsupervised use of clenbuterol could exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension. There is a risk of overdose and stroke when used at high doses. There have been reports of sudden deaths among bodybuilders on clenbuterol, although it is unclear whether this was the result of clenbuterol or other drug combinations. There are also some very negative effects on their hearts when used long term. The hearts of rats on clenbuterol increased in size due to the infiltration of collagen fibres into the heart wall. Collagen is a tough connective tissue that can stiffen the heart muscle, actually reducing cardiac output and possibly producing cardiac arrhythmias. Also, clenbuterol Rats suffered from noticeable cardiac-cell degeneration.

 

banner2a Asthma Medications : Clenbuterol. Dosage and side effects of clenbuterol
 

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beta adrenergic agonists are very effective in the management of asthma

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

The long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists are very effective in the management of asthma . Most often, beta-adreneigic agonists are inhaled using metered-dose inhalers (handheld cartridges containing gas under pressure}. The pressure pumps the drug into a fine spray containing a measured dose of drug. Inhalation deposits the drug directly in the airways, so that it acts quickly, but the drug may not reach the airways that arc severely obstructed. For people who have difficulty using a metered-dose inhaler, spacers or holding chambers can be used. With any type of inhaler, proper technique is vital; if the device is not used properly, the drug will not reach the airways. A dry powder drug formulation is also available. The powder formulation is easier for some people to use, in part because it requires less coordination with breathing.

Beta-adrenergic agonists can also be delivered directly to the lungs by using a nebulizer. A nebulizer creates a mist of drug, and its use does not have to be coordinated with breathing. Nebulizers arc more portable than they were in the past; some units can even be plugged into a cigarette lighter in a car. Beta-adrenergic agonists can also be taken in liquid or tablet form or injected. However, the oral drugs tend to work slower than the inhaled or injected ones and are more likely to cause side effects. Side effects include abnormal heart rhythms, which may suggest excessive use. Other bronchodilators may be combined with beta-adrenergic agonists for acute attacks, including intravenous infusions of aminophylline (a type of theophylline) and nebulized ipratropium. Overusing these drugs can be very dangerous. The need for continuous use indicates severe bronchoconstriction, which can lead to respiratory failure and death.

There are currently around 26 Popular beta-adreneigic agonists molecules in the market. They are : Amibegron, Arformoterol, Bambuterol,Bitolterol, Bromoacetylalprenololmenthane, Carbuterol, Clenbuterol, Dopexamine, ormoterol, Hexoprenaline, Indacaterol,Levosalbutamol, Orciprenaline, Pirbuterol, Procaterol, Ractopamine, Reproterol, Rimiterol, Salbutamol, Salmeterol, Solabegron, Terbutaline and Tulobuterols.

 

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