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Cough, dyspnea and wheezing are the three common symptoms of asthma. These symptoms are manifested because of the narrowing of the airways. The symptoms and treatment of asthma depend upon the degree of airway narrowing. The symptoms can be reversed either spontaneously or by medical therapy.

Asthma attacks frequently occur at night. The cause is not completely understood, but may be related to circardian variations, which influence the airway receptor thresholds. An asthmatic attack usually starts suddenly with coughing and a tight sensation in the chest. These symptoms are followed by slow, laborious, wheezy breathing. Generally expiration is always much more strenuous and prolonged than inspiration. This makes the asthmatics to sit upright and use every accessory muscle of respiration.

Obstructed air flow causes dyspnea. The cough at first is dry but soon it becomes forceful. Sputum, consisting of thin mucus containing small, round, gelatinous masses is coughed up with much difficulty. Later signs may include cyanosis (bluish discoloration) secondary to severe hypoxia, and symptoms of carbon dioxide retention, including sweating, tachycardia, and a widened pulse pressure. The symptoms of asthma may last from 30 minutes to several hours.

Other possible reactions that may accompany asthma include eczema, rashes, and temporary edema. The symptoms may occur periodically after exposure to a specific allergen, some medications, physical exertion, and emotional excitement.
Asthma can be effectively treated or controlled by medication therapy. There are five categories of medication that are used to treat asthma.

*Beta Agonists

The beta agonists are the initial medication used in the treatment of asthma because they dilate bronchial smooth muscles. They can also increase the ciliary movements and decrease the chemical mediators of anaphylaxis. The most commonly used beta adrenergic agents are epinephrine, albuterol, isoproterenol, metaproterenol and terbutaline. These medications are administered parenterally or by inhalation. The inhalation route is the best route of choice because it directly acts on the bronchioles and has only a few side effects.

*Methylxanthines

Methyl xanthines, like aminophylline and theophylline are used in the treatment of asthma because of their bronchodilating effects. They relax the bronchial smooth muscles, increase movement of mucus in the airways, and increase the contraction of diaphragm. Aminophylline is administered intravenously. Theophylline

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