Long-Term Control Medications: A Case Study

People who have been diagnosed with asthma need to take long-term control medication. These medications reduce airway inflammation and help prevent symptoms from occurring. An inhaled corticosteroid, is an anti-inflammatory drug that prevents cells in the lungs from releasing the substances that trigger the asthma response. Medications in this class are Flovent, Pulmicort, Aerobid, Alvesco, Qvar, and Asthmanex. A common side effect of these medications is a mouth infection referred to as thrush (National Institues of Health, 2014). Another long-term control medication is Leukotriene modifiers. These medications are taken by mouth. They block leukotrienes in the body. When leukotrienes release, they cause airway constriction, swelling and inflammation of the lungs, and increased mucus production. Common leukotriene modifiers include Singulair, Accolate, and Zyflo. The side effects of these medications include flu-like symptoms, feeling nervous or excitable, headache, and nasal congestion (National Institues of Health, 2014).

They relax the muscles of the airways. These medications are often combined with an inhaled corticosteroid to improve asthma control. This means two areas of asthma can be treated at the same time. The bronchodilator widens the airway making it easier for the patient to breath, and the inhaled steroid reduces and prevents inflammation of the airways. Advair Diskus, Symbicort, and Dulera are three combination inhalers. Possible side effects of the combination medication include a rapid heart rate, tremors or nervousness, and cough or throat irritation (National Institues of Health,