Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common respiratory diseases that cause inflammation in the airways. There are different medications that treat these conditions, which we are going to list in this article.
What are Asthma and COPD?
Both asthma and COPD have similar symptoms, affecting the function of the lungs and airways. It has been estimated that approximately 20% of patients with an obstructive lung disease will have a combination of these symptoms.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that is typically characterised by environmental triggers, including allergens, causing the airways to become inflamed and narrowed. The inflammation can cause a buildup of excess mucus. This results in symptoms such as breathlessness, chest tightness, and a persistent aggressive cough and wheeze.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term which captures a mixture of chronic lung conditions, the main two of which are:
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
These two conditions are generally caused by long term exposure to inhaled toxins – most importantly cigarette smoke. They have in common that they cause narrowing of the small airways in the lungs which is irreversible, and which makes it difficult to move enough air to breathe easily. This is particularly a problem with exercise. While COPD is currently incurable, it can be managed effectively with the right treatment.
What kinds of medications treat Asthma and COPD?
The National Asthma Council of Australia lists the following medications for asthma and COPD on their website. These medications are inhaled using inhaler devices such as:
- Metered dose inhalers (‘puffers’)
- Turbuhalers
- Accuhalers, etc.
SABA Relievers
Short acting beta-agonists (SABA) a.k.a. bronchodilators are a class of prescription medications that are used to quickly relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing.
Examples include salbutamol and terbutaline.
ICS Preventers
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a type of steroid that is inhaled to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of the airways, which prevents the likelihood of further symptoms. They are central to the management of asthma, but also have a role in management of COPD.
Examples include fluticasone propionate, beclometasone, budesonide, ciclesonide and fluticasone furoate.
SAMA Medication
Short acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMA) work similarly to SABA, in that they are used to provide short term relief of symptoms. While SABA targets the beta-2 receptor in the airways, SAMA targets the muscarinic receptor.
An example of SAMA medication is ipratropium.
Non Steroidal Preventer
A Non Steroidal Preventer is an orally taken medication that provides treatment for asthma symptoms that doesn’t involve inhalation. It works by blocking substances in the lungs known as leukotrienes that cause narrowing and swelling of airways. These have a role to play in some younger people with asthma, but are less commonly used than the other medications listed here.
An example of this is Montelukast Sandoz.
LABA Medications
Long acting beta agonists (LABA) are, like their name suggests, versions of SABA that work in the long term as a preventative bronchodilator to relax smooth muscles in the airways, thus preventing asthma and COPD symptoms.
Examples of this include formoterol, salmeterol and indacaterol.
LAMA Medications
Long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) are long acting variations on SAMA medication. Examples of these include tiotropium, aclidinium, glycopyrronium and umeclidinium.
Combinations
In order to achieve a more effective treatment, doctors will often prescribe a combination of the above treatments which are inhaled at once through a single inhaler device.
Examples of these medications include:
- LAMA/LABA Combinations
- tiotropium and olodaterol
- aclidinium and formoterol
- indacaterol and glycopyrronium
- umeclidinium and vilanterol
- ICS/LAMA/LABA Combinations
- fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium and vilanterol
- indacaterol, glycopyrronium and mometasone
- beclometasone, formoterol and glycopyrronium
- ICS/LABA Combinations
- fluticasone propionate and salmeterol
- fluticasone propionate and formoterol
- budesonide and formoterol
- fluticasone furoate and vilanterol
- beclometasone and formoterol
- Indacaterol and mometasone
What else can help treat Asthma and COPD?
In addition to the medications listed above, there are other ways to aid the treatment of asthma and COPD symptoms. These include the following;
Smoking Cessation
Of course, if you suffer from asthma and/or COPD symptoms, those symptoms will be exacerbated considerably by smoking. Not only does smoking cause damage to various parts of the pulmonary system, it also severely hampers the effectiveness of any asthma and COPD medications.
Vaccination
Annual influenza vaccination reduces exacerbations in patients with COPD, with only minor adverse effects. It is also recommended for patients with asthma. This includes pneumococcal vaccination as well as inactive influenza vaccine.
Improved Inhaler Technique
Poor inhaler technique is a common problem associated with worse prognosis in asthma and COPD. With the different kinds of inhalers now available, it is important to make sure that one is using their inhaler correctly.
Written Action Plan
Guidelines recommend a written action plan as a component of self-management in COPD and asthma. The plan should include the patient’s usual treatment and instructions on how to respond to deterioration.
Such a plan informs both the patient as to the most effective way to implement their treatment, as well as any medical professionals that need to tend to the patient, as it makes them aware of the patient’s needs.
Where do I go if I need treatment/diagnosis for Asthma and COPD?
At Manse Medical, we provide both high quality diagnosis and treatment for respiratory disorders. Book your appointment online by selecting your preferred clinic and choose from the list of our available specialists.
