Treatments to Help the Lungs

Medicines used to help a persons respiratory effort and are aerosolized into a fine mist are commonly referred to as a breathing treatment. First used in 1938 they have been a mainstay in the treatment of respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis and others.

The medicines given in a breathing treatment can be thought of as performing one of three different functions. The medicine can reduce inflammation, can open airways by relaxing the constricting actions of muscles that surround the bronchial tubes, or less likely it can perform some sort of other function such as decreasing air hunger or deliver an antibiotic below is a list of medicines that can be aerosolized.

This guide will give you a general overview on what each medication was intended for and a brief overview of contraindications and warnings. For a more thorough documentation please see the documentation that came with the medication or a publication like the PDR or Physician Desk Reference.

Anti Inflammatories

Prelone, Pediapred, Orapred or Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate

QVAR

Smooth Muscle Relaxers

Albuterol