Home Conditions Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma — guide.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, with variable airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity. Symptoms: shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, sensation of chest tightness.

Also known as: asthma attack allergic asthma bronchial asthma
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In short: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, with variable obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity, showing up as shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and a sense of chest tightness. Long-term control is the doctor's job; over the counter you'll only find adjuvant options such as vitamin D3, magnesium, omega-3, N-acetylcysteine or quercetin, which do not replace prescribed treatment. On HartaFarmacii you compare the price of these OTC products across Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet, with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; seek urgent medical care if a severe asthma attack occurs.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — adjuncts

What you can take alongside treatment

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to seek urgent medical help

Any of these signs calls for prompt medical evaluation:

  • Severe asthma attack
  • Shortness of breath at rest
  • Cyanosis, rapid pulse, agitation
  • Lack of response to the rescue inhaler
  • Frequent nighttime cough that wakes you
  • Increased rescue inhaler use (more than 2-3 times/week)

What bronchial asthma is

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, in which the bronchi become hyperreactive and narrow episodically in response to various stimuli. Inflammation, contraction of the bronchial muscles and increased mucus production cause symptoms that vary over time: shortness of breath (dyspnea), wheezing, cough, especially at night or in the morning, and a sensation of chest tightness. The obstruction is usually reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment. Asthma cannot be cured, but with proper treatment most patients lead a completely normal life, free of attacks.

Types

Allergic (extrinsic) — triggered by allergens (pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander). Non-allergic — caused by physical exertion, respiratory infections, cold air, stress, smoke or medications (NSAIDs, beta-blockers).

Diagnosis

Spirometry with a bronchodilator test (reversibility >12% FEV1), variable PEF monitoring and, if needed, a methacholine provocation test to confirm bronchial hyperreactivity.

Prescription treatment (control steps)

Maintenance treatment (controller):

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (budesonide, fluticasone, beclomethasone).
  • LABA + ICS combinations (Seretide, Symbicort, Trelegy).
  • Antileukotrienes (montelukast).
  • Anti-IgE, anti-IL5 — biologics, for severe forms.

Rescue treatment (reliever):

  • SABA — salbutamol (Ventolin), terbutaline.

Adjuvant OTC

  • Vitamin D3 — many asthmatics are deficient.
  • Magnesium.
  • Omega-3 anti-inflammatory.
  • Quercetin — natural antihistamine.
  • N-acetylcysteine — thins secretions.

DO NOT use: aspirin, NSAIDs (may trigger an attack), non-selective beta-blockers, oral decongestants.

Severe attack — warning signs

Severe shortness of breath, cyanosis, pulse >120, inability to speak full sentences, PEF <50% of predicted, lack of response to SABA — call 112 immediately.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Compared medicines

Medicines used for bronchial asthma

This list is indicative, generated automatically from DCI/category matching. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for bronchial asthma

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for bronchial asthma

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll see pharmacies sorted by distance with their opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. For overnight or weekend trips, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For bronchial asthma some medicines need a prescription — make sure you have a valid one (electronic or paper) before you leave, to avoid wasted trips.

For chronic treatment, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and check prices on the comparator — OTC differences between chains can hit 20-40%, while CANAMED-capped Rx items have a fixed maximum but may carry promotions. If your treatment for bronchial asthma runs on a monthly script, schedule pickup a few days before you run out.

Left untreated

Possible complications

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Tuse

Tusea e un reflex de curățare a căilor respiratorii, nu o boală în sine. Se împarte în tuse seacă (neproductivă) și tuse umedă (productivă, cu expectorație). Tratamentul diferă radical între cele două.

 Symptom

Răceală

Răceala comună e cauzată de peste 200 de virusuri (rinovirus în 30-50% din cazuri). Durează 7-10 zile, nu răspunde la antibiotic și nu există vaccin specific. Tratamentul e simptomatic.

 Condition

Bronșită cronică

Bronșita cronică (parte a BPOC) = tuse productivă cronică minim 3 luni pe an, 2 ani consecutivi. Cauza principală — fumatul. Evoluție progresivă cu dispnee și insuficiență respiratorie.

 Condition

Rinită cronică

Rinita cronică = inflamație nazală peste 12 săptămâni. Alergică (perenă), non-alergică (vasomotorie, medicamentoasă), asociată cu sinuzită cronică sau polipi nazali.

Frequently asked

What else would you like to know?

Asthma attack — what do I do?
Rescue inhaler (salbutamol) 2-4 puffs, repeat after 20 min. Sitting position. Stay calm. If it does not subside within 10-20 min — emergency.
Can I do sports with asthma?
Yes — exercise-induced asthma is controlled with appropriate treatment. Preventive salbutamol 15 min beforehand. Gradual warm-up.
Can asthma be cured?
Rarely, especially allergic asthma in children. In adults — controllable, not curable. Appropriate treatment = normal life.
ICS for life?
For most cases — yes. It allows prevention of attacks and of bronchial remodeling. The dose is adjusted to severity.

See also

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