What is the best treatment for Asthma?
This may be classified into two – home treatment and hospital treatment. Home treatment includes administration of oxygen in a portable cylinder as asthmatic attack may severely restrict breathing.
Bronchodilator drugs (drugs that increase the lumen of the bronchioles) should be given. Hospital treatment includes oxygen via oxygen mask or nasal catheter. To compensate fluid loss oral fluids are to be given. The most important treatment includes the use of bronchodilators which give immediate relief. Some of these are –
a. Subcutaneous injection of adrenaline relieves bronchospasm immediately.
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b. Aerosols of salbutamol can be given as inhalations.
c. Aminophyline may also be given as an intravenous injection. The drug should be injected very slowly.
d. Steriods are life saving drugs to be used in times of emergency. Hydrocartiozone is the most quick acting drug which can be given intravenously.
e. Antibiotics are also helpful as they control respiratory infections that aggravate asthmatic conditons.
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In extreme cases mechanical ventilation can be used if the patient does not respond to any of the above therapy.