Over The Counter Meds For Asthma

Otc medications are not long term.

Over the counter meds for asthma.

Not all professionals believe over the counter asthma inhalers like asthmanefrin should be available to consumers. Otc asthma inhalers are typically not recommended as a replacement for prescription asthma treatment. Otc medications are not long term. However over the counter products can sometimes help address certain symptoms associated with asthma.

It is not advisable to use over the counter asthma medication unless instructed by a physician knowledgeable in the treatment of asthma. A rescue medication for asthma is a medication that works within minutes to open the airways bronchodilate and provides quick relief from asthma symptoms such as chest tightness shortness of breath cough or wheezing the rescue medications for asthma include albuterol levalbuterol and ipratropium of these albuterol is by far the most commonly prescribed rescue medication for asthma. Just keep in mind that over the counter asthma treatment is only complementary to prescription options and treatment from your doctor it should never replace prescription medication prescribed by your doctor. In fact organizations such as the american college of asthma allergy immunology the american association for respiratory care the american thoracic society and the national association for medical direction of respiratory care do not want otc inhalers.

In addition to traditional asthma inhalers over the counter otc inhalers and medications are available that could also help with asthma symptoms. Discontinue over the counter asthma medications if symptoms persist 1 according to quick care symptoms that should be addressed by a physician include shortness of breath during periods of rest sleeping problems from excessive coughing and breathing troubles that lead to chest wall retraction 2 the aafa cautions asthmatics from treating symptoms on their own with over the counter drugs 1. The available over the counter otc medications treat bronchospasm primarily and have little if any effect on airway inflammation. These include oral and nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants as well as corticosteroid and cromolyn nasal sprays.

Over the counter medications for asthma are generally discouraged. Over the counter medications for asthma are generally discouraged. Allergy medications are available over the counter and in prescription form. They can help with allergic rhinitis but aren t substitutes for asthma medications.

Over the counter inhaler.