REACTIVE AIRWAY DISEASE

bY Marta M. Katalenas, M.D., F.A.A.P. and Gwen E.Collmann, R.N., M.S.N., C.P.N.P

Asthma Medications are divided into two categories: Quick Relief and Controller Medications

1. Quick Relief: Beta 2 Agonists (Proventil, Proventil HFA, Ventolin, Xopenex, Maxair).
These inhalers do NOT reduce inflammation but act to dilate the airway rapidly. These medications are also called rescue medications or brochodilators. These quick relief medications may be used every 3-4 hours and before exercise. If you need to use your inhaler more than every 3-4 hours please call us for further assistance.

2. Controllers: These medications reduce inflammation and can keep an asthma attack from
happening. They should be taken every day for people who have signs and symptoms of
asthsma more than twice per week.

Inhaled Steroids: (Vanceril, Beclovent, Flovent, Aerobid, Azmacort and Pulmicort Respules).
These should be taken by nebulizer or inhaler with spacer twice per day.

Cromolyn and nedocromil: (Intal and Tilade). These should be taken by nebulizer or inhaler as
directed by your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner 3 to 4 times per day.

Additional Controllers: These are usually taken together with inhaled steroids to control
symptoms and include: Leukotrine Modifiers once a day (Singulair, Accolate) which act to block
part of the asthma reaction cascade; Long acting B2 Agonists twice a day (Serevent Inhaler, Volmax or Proventil Repetabs). Remember that these ARE NOT rescue medications!

Triggers to an Athsma attack can include: exercise, cold air, illness, SMOKE, allergens, NSAIDS or aspirin.
Always perform peak flow readings twice per day and record this in your diary. Signs and Symptoms of SEVERE TROUBLE: Breathing faster than usual, sucking the chest in, difficulty speaking, bluish fingernails or lips, peak flow is less than 50% of child’s personal best peak flow rate: Call 911