Dulera
It is a medication that contains a combination of formoterol (a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing) and mometasone furoate (a synthetic anti-inflammatory corticosteroid).
Uses
This medication is typically indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older as well as for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common serious side effects may include:
- changes in menstrual periods;
- headaches;
- muscle cramps;
- a stuffy nose;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- a sore throat;
- back pain;
- sinus pain;
- skin rash, itching;
- anxiety;
- dizziness;
- hoarseness or deepened voice;
- dry mouth.
Rare side effects may include:
- muscle weakness or limp feeling;
- white patches in the mouth or throat;
- worsening asthma symptoms;
- urinating more than usual;
- seeing halos around lights;
- increased thirst or hunger;
- fast or pounding heartbeats;
- restless feeling;
- eye pain;
- increased urination;
- seizure;
- blurred vision;
- wheezing;
- leg discomfort;
- tremors;
- uneven heart rate;
- breathing problems;
- changes in the shape or location of body fat;
- chest pain.
Pregnancy
There are no conclusive clinical studies on whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
To make sure you can safely use this medicine, tell your healthcare professional if you have any of the following conditions:
- heart disease;
- tuberculosis;
- a thyroid disorder;
- an active infection of any kind;
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- herpes infection of the eye;
- glaucoma or cataracts;
- low bone mineral density;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease.
Symbicort
It is a combination of two medicines (budesonide and formoterol) that works well for sufferers with worsening asthma or COPD.
Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles which surround the airways and helping to prevent bronchospasms. Budesonide is a man-made corticosteroid that can help to reduce the amount of swelling in the airways and allow more air to pass through.
Uses
It is an inhaled medicine that can be used to help manage the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
The dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- chills;
- body aches or pain;
- ear congestion;
- a cough;
- muscle aches;
- problems breathing;
- headaches;
- fever (high temperature);
- tightness in the chest;
- bladder pain;
- a sore throat;
- sneezing;
- diarrhea.
Rare side effects may include:
- unusual tiredness or weakness;
- tenderness around the cheekbones and eyes;
- bloody urine;
- congestion;
- loss of voice;
- joint pain;
- cough producing mucus;
- lower back or side pain;
- noisy breathing;
- painful urination;
- a general feeling of illness;
- dryness of the throat;
- shakiness in the legs, hands, arms, or feet;
- racing heartbeat or pulse;
- stomach pain;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- sore mouth or tongue;
- trembling of the hands or feet;
- swollen glands in the neck;
- white patches in the mouth or on the tongue.
Bottom Line – Dulera vs Symbicort
Dulera inhaler contains a combination of mometasone (a synthetic steroid that prevents the release of substances in the human body that cause inflammation) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing).
Symbicort (active ingredients – budesonide and formoterol) is an asthma controller medication.
Asthma medication that contains formoterol increases the risk of asthma-related death, especially in pediatric and adolescent patients, according to research. Hence, when treating people with asthma, these medications should only be used for sufferers not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication.
The most recent US Food and Drug Administration recommendation notes – “LABAs should be used for the shortest duration of time required to achieve control of asthma symptoms and discontinued, if possible, once asthma control is achieved.”
5 Effective Home Remedies for Asthma
Asthma is a condition described by difficulty breathing and narrowing of the airways leading to the lungs.
An estimated 25 million people in the US suffer from this condition, a number which is growing on a yearly basis, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In the United Kingdom, asthma affects about 5 million people and has an annual treatment cost exceeding £1 billion a year. Worldwide, over 235 million individuals suffer from this condition, and the number is increasing every day, according to World Health Organization.
Here are some easy and effective methods to improve asthma symptoms:
#1 Omega 3
Omega-3 essential fatty acids work much like a class of asthma drugs that stop the actions of body compounds which cause inflammation in the airways. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids include – flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, kidney beans, navy beans, and broccoli.
#2 Garlic
Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, garlic provides quick relief from asthma symptoms by clearing the congestion in the lungs.
#3 Eucalyptus Oil
It is one of the most effective home remedies to relieve asthma symptoms and to keep asthma at bay. According to some studies, eucalyptus essential oil has a chemical called eucalyptol that can help break up mucus.
To use it, just put a few drops of oil on a paper towel and keep it close to your head when sleeping.
#4 Turmeric
This spice contains curcumin as one of its main components. Because curcumin alleviates the inflammation of the airways and modulates the inflammatory response of the human body, it is very beneficial as an add-on therapy to relieve asthma.
To boost curcumin absorption levels, combine turmeric with a little black pepper.
#5 Nutrition
Foods rich in folate (also known as vitamin B9) are capable of lowering wheezing by regulating inflammatory processes.
Foods high in vitamin B9 include – broccoli, red kidney beans, navy beans, pistachios, lentils, chickpeas, green peas, carrots, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, oats, oat bran, quinoa, prunes, plums, and bananas.
Image credit – Shutterstock
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20593912 https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN1BC0JG https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/