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Asthma Exacerbation

An asthma attack, also called a flare-up, occurs when a person’s asthma symptoms worsen beyond their usual baseline. Severe episodes can make breathing difficult enough to constitute a medical emergency.

Deltasone

Prednisone

5mg · 10mg · 20mg · 40mg

Prednisone tablets for inflammatory conditions and allergic reactions. It binds to receptors inside cells to block the production of inflammatory signals.

From$0.23/ tabletView

Atrovent

Ipratropium

20mcg

Ipratropium inhaler for bronchospasm and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a maintenance therapy, not a quick-relief inhaler.

From$15.60/ inhalerView

Key points

  • Asthma exacerbation varies in severity, from mild cough and wheezing to an inability to breathe or speak more than one word at a time.
  • Attacks can be triggered by respiratory viruses, air pollution, environmental allergens such as pollen, and cigarette smoke, with individual variation in susceptibility.
  • Management is guided by severity: a bronchodilator reliever may be used at home for mild-to-moderate episodes, while severe attacks require hospital care.

Medicines listed for Asthma Exacerbation

The listed products contain prednisone and ipratropium. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation. Ipratropium is a bronchodilator that opens the airways to ease breathing during an asthma attack. Deltasone is a tablet available in strengths from 5 mg to 40 mg, and Atrovent is an inhaler delivering 20 mcg per dose.

Further reading