OTC Asthma Relief
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that constricts the airways and causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and coughing. There are many things that can cause asthma, including allergies to dust mite feces, food, pollen, household chemicals and even the flu. There are several OTC medications that can be used to relieve asthma, though they are usually more effective for milder cases of the disease.
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Adrenaline Inhalers
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Epinephrine hydrochloride is an adrenaline nasal spray that is available over the counter. It helps to relieve mild asthma symptoms by opening up air passages, which gives you temporary relief from shortness of breath and chest tightness. People with heart conditions, diabetes, glaucoma and high blood pressure need to check with their doctor before taking it. Children as young as four years old can use epinephrine, but it is advisable to first consult a pediatrician.
Epinephrine Tablets
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Epinephrine tablets are also available OTC. They are taken sublingually (under the tongue) so they can enter the blood stream directly. This medication is effective enough to be used on patients suffering from anaphylaxis, a sometimes fatal allergic reaction. It can give people longer-lasting relief from asthma than the epinephrine inhalers, though it can take up to 30 minutes to work.
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Primatene
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Primatene is available as a syrup, tablet and inhaler. The tablet and syrup contain both ephedrine and guaifenesin. The ephedrine dilates the bronchial tubes to improve breathing. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that can help clear mucus from the lungs. Primatene mist can actually relieve asthma symptoms within the first 15 to 30 seconds. The inhalers work faster than the tablet and syrup.
Mucinex
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Mucinex contains high levels of guaifenesin, a medication that, like many others, used to require a prescription. The maximum-strength Mucinex has 1200mg of guaifenesin and the regular strength has 600mg of the expectorant. It has two layers and is an extended-release medication that provides relief over 12 hours. This medication is most effective on asthma that is related to inflammation and mucus. It will not relieve asthma symptoms related to airway constriction.
Benadryl
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Benadryl is another OTC medication that can provide asthma relief for those with mild cases. It is actually an antihistamine designed to treat the allergen that causes the allergic reaction. It is available in syrup, capsule and tablet form.
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- Photo Credit Fibrogirl.com; 2009.
