Approximately 34 million Americans suffer from asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. To help control their symptoms, patients with asthma may use a variety of medications, each with its own risks and benefits.

Types of Medications

During an asthma attack, patients use inhaled medications, such as short-acting beta-2 agonists such as albuterol or the anti-cholingeric drug ipratropium. Doctors also prescribe long-term daily inhalant medications to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks, including inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone and budesonide or leukotriene modifiers such as zafirlukast.

Side Effects

Side effects of medications used to treat asthma attacks include tremors, shaking, nausea, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, hypertension and dizziness, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inhaled long-term corticosteroids may cause nasal irritation, dry mouth and sleeplessness, while leukotriene modifiers may cause headaches, diarrhea and nausea.

Risks

Though the risk is low, long-term use of inhaled corticosteroid medications may cause osteoporosis, an increased incidence of bacterial or viral infections, cataracts and high blood sugar, and they also could slow growth in children. Leukotriene modifiers may cause liver dysfunction or severe allergic reactions in some patients, cautions the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Warning

Discontinuing the use of some asthma medications could cause a severe asthma attack, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consequently, you should never stop taking medication without consulting your doctor, even if you are experiencing side effects or have concern about potential risks.

Considerations

Every drug affects people differently, so you may have to try several asthma medications before finding those that stop or decrease the attacks while causing few or no side effects.

Source:

Mayoclinic.com: Asthma---Treatments and Drugs

Mayoclinic.com: Asthma Medications---Know Your Options

Mayoclinic.com: Budesonide---Precautions

More Information:

DailyMed: Albuterol

DailyMed: Accolate (Zafirlukast)

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Asthma Statistics