Asthma Treatment - Quick Relief Medications - Ipratropium / Atrovent

What is Ipratropium/Atrovent

Atrovent, also known as Ipratropium, is a quick-relief inhalation medication that is utilized as a form of asthma treatment. This medication helps patients breathe easier by relaxing the constricted muscles within the throat. It is also used as a means of prevention for future breathing problems brought about by asthma and lung disease. It's important to understand that this medication should not be used if you are allergic to either Ipratropium or Atropine.

How The Treatment is Applied

This medication is inhaled by combining it with what is known as a nebulizer or basic inhaler. A nebulizer compresses the medication and breaks it down into a mist that spreads to a persons lungs. As it is meant to be inhaled, it should be taken orally through the mouth. Since this treatment must be administered properly in order for it to be effective, an adult should be around whenever a child needs to use the medication. Atrovent must also be taken frequently, often multiple times per day, which depends on the condition it's being used for. It's recommended that you spray the inhaler 2-3 times before use.

Conditions That Require This Treatment

This quick-relief medication is designed specifically to control and prevent the symptoms associated with 4 distinct types of conditions. These 4 conditions are known as Perennial Allergic/Nonallergic Rhinitis, Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Asthma Exacerbation, with the latter 2 being the most common conditions requiring this form of treatment.

While a doctor will need to confirm if there is anything stopping you from taking this quick-relief medication, it's safe to say that Atrovent is a necessary treatment for anyone that has been diagnosed with any of these 4 conditions. However, these 4 different conditions each require different doses. Perennial Rhinitis calls for 2 sprays in each nostril every 8-12 hours, while Seasonal Rhinitis calls for the same, yet spaced out to every 6 hours. For those with Chronic Pulmonary Disease, you should take 2 sprays every 6 hours, while Asthma Exacerbation requires 8 sprays when needed.

Effectiveness and General Side-Effects

The effectiveness depends on 2 separate factors. If you are currently going through any breathing problems, then this medication can be used with an inhaler to stop the symptoms nearly immediately. If you are looking to prevent symptoms, it is necessary to take the medication as often as is recommended for it to be effective.

In regards to the side-effects, there are a few that you should be aware of. Dizziness, dry mouth, bladder pain and tightness in the chest are the most common, while it's also possible to encounter a cough, fever, headache or sore throat. Vision impairment or general eye pain may occur if the product is indirectly sprayed into your eyes, while there is a small possibility that your breathing problems may worsen. If any of the aforementioned side-effects occur, it is essential that you call your doctor immediately.