According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 27 million people in the United States have asthma. That amounts to about one in every 12 Americans. It also is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children.
Asthma is a life-long condition that, in most cases, requires medical intervention. Otherwise, it can be extremely debilitating and even life-threatening.
The good news is that there are many treatment options. These include affordable medications for asthma, which can alleviate or even eliminate symptoms. A prominent one is Asmanex.
This article lays out some asthma basics, as well as information about treatment options for asthma relief. It includes specifics about how to use Asmanex and where to get Asmanex. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment and determine if it is right for you.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic health condition that impacts the air passageways in the lungs. Airways become inflamed, which can cause them to narrow. This makes it harder for air to flow through them, which causes breathing difficulties in asthma patients.
When asthma symptoms abruptly worsen, this is called an “asthma attack.” These can be brought on by a myriad of internal and external factors. Common ones include cold air, pollen, or strenuous activity.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma is a genetic condition. Children of parents with asthma are three to six times more likely to develop it than someone whose parents did not have it.
Other conditions can make someone more at risk of developing asthma. Three major ones are the presence of allergies, chronic viral respiratory infections in childhood, and obesity.
Some occupational hazards can cause asthma as well. These include exposure to wood dust, chemical vapors, or certain molds.
Smoking can increase your risk of developing asthma. Finally, air pollution, especially exposure to smog, can increase your risk of developing the condition.
What Are the Treatments for Asthma?
Asthma treatment can be broken down into two main categories: quick relief and long-term control drugs. These serve distinct purposes, depending on the patient and their symptoms.
Quick-Relief Medications
The most well-known quick-relief treatment is short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs), which are inhaled. These help open airways and can be particularly effective during an asthma attack.
Oral corticosteroids can help reduce swelling in airways, and anticholinergics can help open them up quickly. These are generally less effective than inhalers but are a good alternative for people who have adverse reactions to SABAs.
Long-Term Treatments
Long-term controls come at the problem differently; Some, such as biologics, are reserved for the most severe cases of asthma. Others, like allergy shots and mast cell stabilizers, can help the body react less strongly to allergens.
There are bronchodilators, including long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs). These help prevent swelling of the airways. Leukotriene modifiers reduce swelling and can help keep airways open.
Finally, one of the most common long-term treatments is corticosteroids. These are steroid hormone medications that reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Some, like Asmanex, are inhaled, while others can be taken in pill form. They are also one of the more affordable medications for asthma.
What Is Asmanex?
Asmanex is a long-acting asthma treatment. It contains mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that trigger inflammation.
Asmanex benefits include preventing symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath and wheezing. This can go a long way toward promoting a healthier life.
Besides an increase in overall quality of life, asthma relief can mean less time off work or missing school. It can encourage exercise, which can further contribute to better health.
How to Use Asmanex?
Asmanex comes as a powder that is then loaded into a specialized inhaler (“Twisthaler”). The device delivers the measured dose as a fine spray of powder. Your doctor will determine the needed dosage and explain to you how to use Asmanex.
There can be a delay of about two weeks for asthma symptoms to diminish after beginning treatment. However, patients should not exceed the prescribed dosage, even if this occurs.
Note that Asmanex is only effective at preventing asthma attacks, not treating them. The medication is ineffective against an attack that has already begun.
Are There Any Asmanex Side Effects?
There are a handful of Asmanex side effects that patients should be aware of. Common ones include dry mouth, hoarseness, and occasionally oral yeast infections. However, in most cases, these can be limited or avoided by using simple oral rinses and gargling.
In rare cases, people are allergic to mometasone. Also, people with sensitivities to milk proteins could react to the drug.
Since Asmanex is a long-term use steroid, it could exacerbate things like liver disease, glaucoma, or cataracts. It could also cause low mineral density in bones or osteoporosis over time.
People should not use this medication if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It also is not suitable for children younger than five years old.
Where to Get Asmanex?
There is no generic alternative for Asmanex. However, there are many different methods for accessing the medication, even if you lack or have limited insurance coverage.
One is paying out of pocket. You can find the medication for as low as $100 per month, depending on your dosage. However, since Asmanex is intended as a long-term treatment option, this may not be sustainable for many people.
Another way to get Asmanex is through patient assistance programs. These require you to meet certain income or other requirements.
Companies like ours specialize in helping people get approval. This provides access to vital medication for a flat monthly fee for each medication through Prescription Hope’s medication access service.
Learn More About Affordable Medications for Asthma
Now that you understand the benefits of Asmanex and how they might help your condition, you can decide if it is right for you. It can be an effective treatment that helps you or your loved one lead a happy, healthy life.
Since 2006, Prescription Hope has helped provide thousands of people access to brand-name drugs at reasonable prices, including affordable medications for asthma, like Asmanex. We offer a secure, easy-to-use platform for managing prescriptions and refills. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and see if you qualify. Prescription Hope provides access to over 1,500 medications for just $60.00 per medication per month through our medication access service.
