A Sense of Urgency: An Asthma Cure

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease for which there is not yet a cure, however it can be controlled and relieved with the use of the proper medications and treatments.

Asthma is a common condition amongst the population. It is estimated that there are over 17 million people living with asthma in the United States alone, and that of these, 5 million are under the age of 18. The diagnosis of asthma is based on medical history as well as the testing of the patient's lung efficiency.

Is There an Asthma Cure?

There are many available treatments used to control and relieve asthma symptoms, but no actual cure. What is considered key to attaining  effective and long-term treatment of asthma, is the finding of drugs and a dosage plan which most effectively prevents or deals with, acute attacks. The commonly used asthma medications work by relaxing and opening up the airway, thus allowing the asthma sufferer to breathe at least remotely normally again. Inhaled medications are preferred to tablet or liquid medications, as they act directly on the airway surface and airway muscles, which is where the majority of asthma problems start, and permit the resumption of more normal breathing. 

The most commonly used form of asthma treatment is that of beta-agonists, and when symptoms of asthma are hard to control even with these, inhaled corticosteroids are often added to the treatment regime. These corticosteroids are able to improve lung function, and reduce airway obstruction over time. Examples of inhaled corticosteroids include: beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, and flunisolide. Although the optimum dosage of these corticosteroids is still unknown, the common side effects are apparent and include loss of voice and oral yeast infections.

One can only hope that there will be a cure for asthma sufferers sometime in the near future.