Patients who suffer from bronchospasm caused by asthma, COPD, or other lung complications, can find relief through medications such as Symbicort or ProAir (Albuterol). Symbicort is a maintenance inhaler and meant for long-term controlled use. ProAir is prescribed for quick relief as a rescue medication during exacerbated bronchospasm attacks. While both treatment options offer relief, they are used for different purposes. If you or a loved one is looking for relief from asthma, COPD, or exercise-induced bronchospasm talk to your doctor about your options.
A bronchospasm occurs when the muscles around the lungs and airways constrict or become inflamed. These constrictions cause difficulty in breathing which can occur during an asthma attack or other lung-related diagnoses. Aerosolized medications, taken via inhaler, can help relieve the inflammation of bronchospasm by relaxing the constricted muscles. Continue reading to learn more about these treatments and whether they are the right fit for you.
What Are Symbicort and ProAir?
Both medications are classed as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are used to open airway passages and provide relief from acute asthma or related symptoms. ProAir is a beta-agonist (also known as a beta-blocker) form of the medication. Meanwhile, Symbicort is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator typically used as an inhaled medication. The active ingredients of Symbicort are Budesonide and Formoterol. Symbicort is a corticosteroid that will reduce inflammation and open up the airways to ease the overall airflow quality. Similarly, ProAir works when relieving asthmatic attacks, but as a rescue inhaler. It relaxes the airways quickly to provide fast relief.
Usage: How They Work
A maintenance inhaler, such as Symbicort, is used on a regular basis to relieve the symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medication must follow proper dosage at consistent intervals to be effective. A relief inhaler, such as ProAir, should be used as directed by a medical physician. If you are using a relief inhaler more than two days a week, discuss your symptoms with a doctor or physician.
Symbicort and ProAir share some similar side effects, such as nervousness, shaking, headache, nausea or dizziness. If you experience an increase in these symptoms, consult a physician immediately. An additional side effect of ProAir is a rise in blood pressure. Check your blood pressure frequently when using your rescue inhaler. Symbicort should not be used in the midst of an asthma attack.
Symbicort takes time to work, and as such, it should not be used in an emergency situation. Patients with asthma or COPD should maintain the use of their long-term inhaler in accordance with a doctor’s instructions. However, patients should also keep their emergency rescue inhaler on them at all times.
Risk of Thrush
Be careful when using any inhaled medication for bronchospasm relief, as improper use could result in thrush, also known as a fungal or yeast infection in the mouth or throat. You should thoroughly rinse out your mouth after use, to prevent the occurrence of thrush.
Which One Is Right For You?
In determining the appropriate medication for your symptoms talk with a doctor or physician. For patients suffering from long-term asthma or COPD and in need of symptom management, Symbicort may be the right fit for you. Meanwhile, patients suffering from onset asthmatic attacks or bronchospasm in need of emergency relief should look at using ProAir for immediate help. ProAir works best to relax the muscles of a patient’s airways when they are under distress or inflamed, therefore it is best used only during an active asthmatic attack or COPD caused bronchospasm.
Patients who use Symbicort for long-term relief can use ProAir for emergency situations, but inhalation of the medications should occur at least one minute apart.
Finding the balance of medication needed to soothe chronic airway inflammation can take time. Understanding the warning signs of an attack, and managing your symptoms long-term is vital when it comes to proper treatment. Speak with your physician today if you are interested in exploring options for your maintenance and emergency inhaler medications.
