Asthma : According to WHO - Asthma attacks all age groups but often starts in childhood. It is a disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. In an individual, they may occur from hour to hour and day to day.
This condition is due to inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways so they become easily irritated. In an attack, the lining of the passages swell causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs.
Classification of drugs
1. Bronchodialators
A. Sympathomimetics : Adrenaline, Ephedrine, Isoprenaline, Salbutamol, Terbutaline, Bambuterol, Salmetrol, Formoterol.
B. Methylxanthines : Theophylline, Aminophylline, Hydroxyethyl theophylline.
C. Anticholinergics: Atropine, Ipratropium bromide
2. Leukotrienne antagonis - Montelukast, Zafirlukast
3. Mast cell stabilizers : Sodium cromglycate, Nedocromil,Krtotifen.
4. Corticosteroids : a) Systemic : Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone and others
b) Inhalational : Beclomethasone dipropionate, Budesonide, Flunisolide