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Bronchodilators (Drug Class)

What are bronchodilators, and how do they work? Bronchodilators are medications that open (dilate) the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lung by relaxing bronchial muscles and allow people who have difficulty breathing to breath better. Bronchodilators are used for treating: Asthma is a breathing problem resulting from narrowing of the airways that allow air to […]

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Claritin (loratadine) vs. Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Claritin (loratadine) vs. Zyrtec (cetirizine)

What are Claritin and Zyrtec? Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives (urticaria), and pollen-induced asthma are all reactions to histamines released by the body in response to an allergen (dust, pollen, or animal dander). Second-generation antihistamine drugs like Claritin and Zyrtec keep cells from interacting with histamine, thereby preventing allergy symptoms. Histamine is a relatively simple, […]

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Asthma: Over the Counter Treatment

Asthma: Over the Counter Treatment

Asthma introduction People with asthma should discuss the pros and cons of over-the-counter epinephrine inhalers with their doctor. Asthma is a disease in which there is a brief, temporary narrowing of the airways in the lungs, referred to as bronchospasm. This is only part of the picture. The main problem in asthma involves inflammation and […]

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Fat Collects in Lungs, Raising Asthma Risk

Fat Collects in Lungs, Raising Asthma Risk

Latest Asthma News FRIDAY, Oct. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Excess weight is hard on the heart, but new research shows it may also harm your lungs. The study found that higher amounts of fat collect in the airways of overweight and obese people, which may help explain why they’re more likely to have wheezing […]

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Three-Drug Inhaler May Be an Advance for Asthma Patients

Three-Drug Inhaler May Be an Advance for Asthma Patients

Latest Asthma News TUESDAY, Oct. 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A new 3-in-1 asthma drug inhaler may provide better and easier control of symptoms for tough-to-treat patients, two new studies suggest. The two phase 3 trials involved more than 2,500 asthma patients across 17 countries. Patients tested out an inhaler that contained three drugs: A […]

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For Kids With Asthma, Depression Makes ER Visit More Likely

For Kids With Asthma, Depression Makes ER Visit More Likely

Latest Asthma News MONDAY, Sept. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — New research suggests that anxiety and depression can make it hard for some kids to manage their asthma. Young patients with all three conditions ended up in the emergency room nearly twice as often as kids who only struggle with asthma, the study found. “Asthma […]

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Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse

Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse

Latest Asthma News FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Black licorice, banana pudding and other flavored electronic cigarette liquids may make respiratory diseases like asthma worse, a new international study finds. Vaping has surged in recent years, especially among young people. An estimated 9% of 18- to 24-year-olds use e-cigarettes in the United States. […]

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ciclesonide (Alvesco)

ciclesonide (Alvesco)

What is ciclesonide? What is ciclesonide used for? Ciclesonide (Alvesco) is a man-made steroid for inhalation in the glucocorticoid family. It is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. The body converts ciclesonide to des-ciclesonide, which is the active form of the drug. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory […]

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budesonide/formoterol hfa inhaler (Symbicort)

budesonide/formoterol hfa inhaler (Symbicort)

What is budesonide/formoterol? What is budesonide/formoterol used for? Symbicort is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with asthma or COPD the smaller airways (bronchioles) through which air moves in and out of thelungs can be narrowed by accumulation of mucus, spasm of […]