What pills help with shortness of breath?

If the appearance of shortness of breath is not associated with any disease, and is only the result of physical and physiological factors (prolonged illness, injury, lack of training of the body), then regular walks, moderate exercise, physical therapy, etc. Can help. In more complex cases, you have to think about what pills help with shortness of breath. The choice of a suitable drug is in the competence of the attending physician, because, first of all, it is necessary to understand the causes of respiratory problems.

How do bronchodilators in tablets work, and which drugs are the most effective?

When air enters the lungs, it travels through hollow, tubular passages called bronchioles. For a more accurate understanding, the trachea can be compared to a trunk from which bronchioles branch off. With the development of bronchitis or bronchial asthma, the bronchioles narrow, which may be due to muscle spasms or excessive accumulation of mucous secretion. Such processes impair the airflow into the lungs and contribute to the appearance of shortness of breath. Tablets and other drugs such as bronchodilators ("bronchial dilators") optimize the bronchial lumen and thus improve breathing.

The main groups of bronchodilators known to help with shortness of breath are:

• sympathomimetics (increase secretion and decrease norepinephrine reuptake);
• acetylcholine receptor blockers (anticholinergics);
• Xanthines (myotropic antispasmodics).

The above medicines, including tablets, help with shortness of breath, but have no effect on the underlying disease.

It is generally accepted that anticholinergics are indicated primarily when dyspnea is associated with bronchitis. For patients with chronic bronchial asthma they are not as effective, although they may be used as part of adjunctive therapy.

But sympathomimetics and xanthines are most often helpful for dyspnea caused by both asthma and bronchitis. At the same time, they require precise dosage selection to achieve optimal effect and minimize side effects.

Bronchodilators in tablet form are less commonly used than in aerosol form. Nevertheless, tablets also help to dilate bronchioles in asthma and bronchitis, relieve attacks of prolonged shortness of breath. But in severe chronic bronchitis, they are not so effective. Some patients additionally take bronchodilators just before any activity that can provoke shortness of breath.

Sympathomimetics are most often prescribed for short-term relief of dyspnea, while anticholinergics and xanthines are helpful for both acute and prolonged attacks.

The action of bronchodilators is based on relaxation of the musculature surrounding the bronchioles. Sympathomimetics and anticholinergics affect nerve impulses that are transmitted to smooth muscle structures via the autonomic nervous system. Sympathomimetics optimize the activity of neurotransmitters that cause muscle relaxation. Anticholinergics block the action of neurotransmitters that promote muscle contraction and reduce mucosal secretion.

Xanthines relax muscles by directly acting on their fibers, but the exact mechanism of action is poorly understood.

Bronchodilators in tablet form are slower-acting than inhaled medications in the treatment of dyspnea, but their effects are more rapid when compared with systemic corticosteroids. In general, though, treatment with corticosteroids gradually reduces the need for bronchodilators.

The most common bronchodilators in tablets that help with shortness of breath:

• Aerophylline (400 mg tablets);
• Neofylline (prolonged tablets of 100, 300 mg);
• Theophedrine IC®;
• Theotard (200 mg prolonged-release capsules).

Possible side effects of taking bronchodilator tablets for shortness of breath include dry mouth, tachycardia, headache, and nausea.

What are corticosteroids in pill form and how can they help with shortness of breath?

Corticosteroids are a large group of synthetic hormonal substances produced by the adrenal cortex. Currently, the pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of synthetic corticosteroid preparations, analogues of endogenous hormones (independently synthesized by the body - the adrenal cortex).

Corticosteroids belong to the range of steroid hormones, but they do not belong to the category of estrogens or androgens and do not affect the content of sex hormones in the body. All corticosteroids are conventionally divided into such categories:

• Glucocorticosteroids are represented primarily by hydrocortisone and cortisone. In most situations, these tablets are used to relieve inflammation - particularly in bronchial asthma. Glucocorticoids have immunosuppressive properties, and many tablets have such active component as dexamethasone and prednisolone in their composition.
• Mineralocorticoids are suitable for the treatment of muscle weakness due to disorders of mineral metabolism.

Important: corticosteroid tablets affect the hormonal background, they should never be used on their own. In addition, pills only temporarily relieve shortness of breath, so they should be prescribed by a doctor as part of complex measures in the form of auxiliary drugs.

Corticosteroid medications in tablets that help with shortness of breath:

• Dexamethasone 0.5-4-40 mg each
• Hydrocortisone 10 mg each
• Prednisolone 5 mg
• Medrol at 4-16-32 mg
• Polcortolone 4 mg
• Methylprednisolone 4-8 mg each
• Metipred at 4-16 mg
• Minirin 0.1-0.2 mg each.
• Cinacalcet vista - 30 mg film-coated tablets;
• Kenalog at 4 mg;
• Methylandrostenediol 0.01 g each.

Before and during treatment with corticosteroid tablets it is necessary to monitor blood counts, blood sugar and electrolyte levels in plasma. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the ophthalmologist, blood pressure and water-electrolyte balance.

The dosage of hormonal tablets is determined individually according to the existing disease and condition of the patient, the expected duration of therapy, tolerance of glucocorticosteroids and the reaction of a particular organism.

What medications in pill form help with bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a severe chronic pathology characterized by an oversensitivity of the respiratory system caused by an inflammatory response. Asthmatics often suffer from shortness of breath. In this case, it is necessary to respond to shortness of breath without delay, because without appropriate therapeutic measures, including the use of both inhalation and pills, the patient may die.

The current treatment for bronchial asthma and the shortness of breath caused by the disease is a basic group of tablets and emergency treatment during attacks. The basic group includes tablets and other drugs that help to stop the development of inflammatory reaction and widen the bronchial lumen. Emergency medications include medicines that can relieve the patient's condition during attacks of dyspnea.

Pills that help with shortness of breath in bronchial asthma are often taken in courses, daily, regardless of the patient's well-being. In many cases, several drugs are combined at once. However, the treatment scheme usually depends on the severity of the pathological process.

• In a mild course of bronchial asthma it is enough to take short-acting tablets to eliminate infrequent attacks of shortness of breath.
• Inhaled therapy and hormonal medications may be used in asthma of II degree of severity.
• Grade III asthma is an indication for comprehensive treatment that includes administration of corticosteroids and prolonged-acting bronchodilators.
• The most severe grade IV bronchial asthma requires the use of corticosteroid inhalations and tablets, as well as systemic bronchodilators.

Even the most effective pills that help with shortness of breath cannot completely cure bronchial asthma. They are taken primarily to prevent frequent attacks, optimize respiratory function. Basic course treatment is carried out regularly, with periodic correction of appointments. About once every 4 months, dynamic diagnostics is performed, assessing the respiratory function and side effects of therapy.

What pills help with shortness of breath due to bronchial asthma:

• Prednisolone 5 mg is a cluccocorticoid for systemic use, a dehydrogenated analog of hydrocortisone, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, desensitizing action.
• Neophylline 300 mg - prolonged-acting tablets represented by the active ingredient theophylline.
• Singulair 5 mg is a systemic dyspnea medication based on montelukast, a leukotriene receptor blocker.
• Teotard capsules 200 mg is a drug of prolonged activity based on theophylline, which has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity.
• Fromilide, Fromilide Uno 500 mg is an antibacterial drug based on clarithromycin (macrolide group antibiotic). It is indicated for use if dyspnea is associated with an active inflammatory process of infectious etiology.
• Milucant 5 mg are chewable tablets with the active ingredient montelukast sodium.
• Theopaque 0.3 g - prolonged tablets based on theophylline from the group of xanthines.
• Aerofillin 400 mg - tablets based on doxofillin, which belongs to the group of xanthines. It is an active bronchodilator.
• Glemont 4 mg are chewable tablets that help with shortness of breath. They are an active anti-asthmatic drug.
• Montular 10 mg - contains the active ingredient montelukast, used for the treatment of obstructive respiratory pathologies.
• Allerginol plus is an antiasthmatic tablet, a selective and orally active leukotriene receptor blocker.

What medications in pill form help with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requires an individualized approach to treatment, which is associated with both a wide range of causes of the disease and different degrees of severity of the pathological process.

Proven recurrence of COPD is an indication for antibiotic prescription.

In order to expand the bronchial lumen, anticholinergic agents and sympathomimetics (including prolonged tablets), combined drugs, methylxanthines are prescribed.

If necessary to liquefy viscous secretion prescribe mucolytics. Systemic glucocorticosteroids are used.

If pulmonary hypertension and chronic pulmonary heart disease are present, the use of Almitrine, ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists, prolonged nitrates, and diuretics is required.

Uncomplicated recurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requires antibiotic therapy - particularly Amoxicillin or the macrolides Azithromycin or Clarithromycin. Alternatively, the tablets Amoxiclav. Can be used. If the patient is allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics, it is appropriate to prescribe fluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin), which are also used in complicated COPD. In addition to antibiotics, in complicated pathology prescribe:

• bronchodilators;
• as indicated, corticosteroid tablets and/or inhalation.

Unstable course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requires the use of bronchodilators to prevent attacks of dyspnea:

• Aminophylline (Eufylline) is a bronchodilator, purine derivative. Inhibits phosphodiesterase, blocks purine receptors, reduces contractile activity of smooth muscles, relaxes bronchial musculature, stimulates the respiratory center.
• Short- and long-acting beta 2 antagonists (Salbutamol, Fenoterol, Terbutaline).
• Other methylxanthines (Theophylline, Theopaque, Theotard).

To liquefy mucous secretion and improve its evacuation from the bronchi prescribe mucolytics such as Bromhexine, Ambroxol.

What medications in pill form are used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension?

Dyspnea in pulmonary hypertension is due to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, which in turn is due to narrowing of the arterial walls from the heart to the lungs.

In pulmonary hypertension it is very important to establish pharmacological control of the disease, to start treatment in time, because with the development of decompensatory states pills for dyspnea and other symptoms do not help.

If possible, it is necessary to influence the main cause of pathological increase in pressure, and then proceed to maximize the reduction of symptoms, including shortness of breath.

The following tablets are recommended:

• vasodilators;
• guanylate cyclase activators;
• endothelin receptor antagonists;
• calcium channel blockers;
• diuretics;
• warfarin.

The following medicines are most often used in individually adjusted dosages:

• Riociguat (Adempas) is a centrally acting hypotensive tablet.
• Bozenex 125 and 62.5 mg, a vasodilator, is available in film-coated tablets.
• Volibris is an endothelin receptor antagonist drug.
• Revacio is a vasodilator, available in film-coated tablets.
• Selexipag, Apbravi - antiaggregant drugs in the form of film-coated tablets.
• Bozentan, Vasenex - vasodilators in the form of film-coated tablets.
• Macitentan, Maxicentan are hypotensive drugs belonging to the group of endothelin receptor antagonists. The tablets have a film coating.
• Mono Mac is a vasodilator, nitrate, available as tablets.
• Traclir is a bosentan-based tablet that reduces both pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, thereby rapidly eliminating dyspnea.

Pills for shortness of breath in heart failure

Acute or chronic impairment of the pumping function of the heart is heart failure. The condition is dangerous in that there are problems with the general circulation, the circulation of oxygen and nutrients suffers, and blood stasis occurs. The disease is quite common mainly among the elderly and requires constant intake of supportive pills that help with shortness of breath and heart pain. In order to prevent repeated attacks and improve the general well-being of the patient, the doctor prescribes appropriate drugs.

A distinction is made between acute and chronic forms of heart failure. In the acute development of the disease, it is important to stop the attack of shortness of breath and heartache as soon as possible. Chronic course implies a gradual deterioration of the patient's condition, with a slow increase in symptomatology. Treatment in the first and second cases is not the same.

Usually, for shortness of breath due to heart failure, doctors prescribe pills and other remedies belonging to different groups:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. These are vasodilators that reduce the load on the heart muscle and facilitate blood flow.
• Cardiac glycosides. These drugs normalize the heart rhythm, optimize myocardial contractions.
• Beta-blockers. The drugs improve blood circulation, normalize blood pressure, prevent the development of attacks of acute heart pain and shortness of breath.
• Anticoagulants. Drugs thin the blood, help to avoid thrombosis and stroke.

The treatment regimen with tablets is selected individually. Additionally, it is possible to prescribe diuretics, nitrates, sedatives, potassium preparations, aldosterone antagonists, vitamin complexes. Therapy includes taking not only pills that help with shortness of breath, but also other drugs aimed at the overall effect on the cardiovascular system, to treat the underlying causative pathology.

The most common pills that help with shortness of breath caused by heart failure:

• Bi-prestarium - ACE inhibitor, calcium channel blocker, promotes vasoconstriction, increases oxygen supply to the myocardium.
• Magnerot - tablets based on magnesium orotate have analgesic, anticonvulsant effect on the central nervous system, eliminates spasms of smooth muscle structures. Improves coronary blood circulation.
• Validol is a cardiac drug with moderate coronary dilating effect.
• Corvalment is a cardiac drug that has a reflex coronary dilating effect, thereby eliminating shortness of breath during attacks of mild angina pectoris.
• Triplixam is an ACE inhibitor, with the active ingredients perindopril arginine, indopamide, and amlodipine.
• Verospirone is a potassium-saving diuretic and aldosterone antagonist.
• Pentoxifylline is a derivative of methylxanthine. Inhibits platelet and erythrocyte aggregation, improves fibrinolysis, improves blood rheological properties. Slightly dilates coronary vessels.
• Vanatex combi - film-coated tablets, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretic.
• Cardiket® retard - prolonged-acting tablets, vasodilators.
• Riboxin - tablets that improve the nutrition of the heart muscle, restoring cellular energy balance, activating recovery processes.
• Advocard is an antianginal and anti-ischemic drug, improves systemic hemodynamics, reduces myocardial load. It is used with caution in patients prone to bronchospasms and COPD.

Pills for shortness of breath in bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease characterized by a prolonged cough and shortness of breath. Bronchitis is an inflammatory process in the bronchi, the main cause of which is a viral infection (influenza, adenovirus, rhinosyncytial virus), less often - microbes (mycoplasma, streptococcus, etc.).

Acute bronchitis is often complicated by bronchial obstruction: the bronchial lumen narrows, smooth muscles spasm, mucosa swells, which leads to dyspnea.

What pills help with shortness of breath associated with bronchitis? Medications are divided into several main groups:

• targeting the original cause of the inflammatory process (viruses or bacteria);
• affecting the mechanism of bronchitis and dyspnea in particular;
• that improve breathing in general.

Since the vast majority of cases of bronchitis are provoked by viral infection, doctors often prescribe antiviral treatment. It makes sense to use it only during the first 2 days after the first signs of the disease are detected. Proven effective antiviral agents are ion channel blockers (Rimantadine, Amantadine), neuraminidase inhibitors (Zanamivir, Oseltamivir). Antibiotics are prescribed only if the bacterial nature of bronchitis is confirmed: most often doctors opt for macrolides or Amoxicillin.

To eliminate shortness of breath help any means that reduce the severity of the inflammatory process, having anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Mucolytics liquefy viscous sputum, facilitate its expulsion, clearing the lumen of the respiratory tract. Taking expectorant medications, it is necessary to increase the volume of fluid intake, which will help to eliminate shortness of breath as soon as possible.

• Ambroxol (Lazolvan, Ambrol);
• Carbocysteine, Acetylcysteine;
• Mucaltin;
• remedies based on thyme, potassium bromide.

In many cases, antihistamines - in particular Loratadine, Elcet, Eden.

Among herbal phytopreparations in effectiveness are leading tablet forms based on extracts and collections with the presence of thyme, licorice, violet, pelargonium, ivy, elecampane, althea, primrose:

• Bronchophyte (one 0.85 g tablet contains linden, althea rhizome, chamomile, black elderberry, sage, aira rhizome, marigolds).
• Prospan (effervescent tablets based on dried ivy leaf extract).
• Umcalor (tablet extract from Pelargonium rhizome).
• Bronchipret (tablet extracts of thyme, rhizome of primrose).
• Gerbion (expectorant lozenges based on dried ivy leaf extract).

In recent years, homeopathic remedies that reduce inflammation, relieve bronchial edema, get rid of spasm, facilitate coughing are actively used. Such tablets that help with shortness of breath include Bronchalis Heel, Atma.

Pills for shortness of breath when walking.

Dyspnea when walking is a common phenomenon when a person begins to experience difficulty breathing for no apparent reason. It is important to distinguish pathological dyspnea from normal respiratory failure caused by unusual or excessive physical activity. In the second case, breathing quickly normalizes after stopping the load and a short rest. Often such problems occur in elderly and untrained people who lead a predominantly passive lifestyle.

If dyspnea has a pathological origin, then the pills that can help, should be prescribed by a doctor, focusing on the following possible causes:

• cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, heart failure or angina);
• respiratory diseases (pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
• Hematogenic disorders (anemia);
• problems on the part of the nervous system (stress, neuroses, etc.).

There are no universal pills that help with shortness of breath. Depending on the cause of the pathological symptom, a specialist may prescribe, in particular, such medications:

• Enalapril - cardioprotector, hypotensive and vasodilator, reducing the load on the myocardium and reducing manifestations of "cardiac" dyspnea.
• Losartan is a hypotensive agent with diuretic effect. It belongs to the group of angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
• Salbutamol, Clenbuterol are popular tablets or sprays that help with shortness of breath associated with bronchial asthma.
• Clenbuterol is a remedy for shortness of breath due to heart failure. The drug is prescribed for angina pectoris, hypertension.
• Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker, hypotensive, antianginal, antiarrhythmic drug.

Each of the possible causes of breathing difficulties requires a special approach to treatment. Therefore, it is important not to self-medicate, but to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

How to choose the most suitable tablets for shortness of breath? Only a medical specialist can prescribe this or that drug, based on anamnesis and diagnostic results. It should be understood that pills that help with "cardiac" shortness of breath are useless for pulmonary problems, and vice versa. And in many cases, the use of "wrong" medications can cause irreparable damage to health and significantly worsen the condition.

If dyspnea occurs, an adult should seek help from his or her family doctor, general practitioner. A child should be seen by a pediatrician. Depending on the additional symptoms, it may be necessary to visit other specialists: cardiologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, pulmonologist, infectious disease specialist.

After diagnostic measures, the doctor prescribes the most appropriate, in his opinion, medications:

• diuretics are indicated for congestive heart failure;
• nitrates, β-adrenoblockers, statins are used in ischemic heart disease;
• in anemia is indicated vitamin and mineral complexes, iron-containing means;
• bronchial asthma requires multistage therapy, including a combination of beta-adrenomimetics, glucocorticosteroids, and m-choline blockers;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - an indication for the use of short- or long-acting bronchodilators;
• pneumonia requires antibiotic therapy.

What is the right way to take pills for shortness of breath?

Tablets for shortness of breath are taken strictly following the doctor's prescription. Often the therapeutic regimen includes taking several medicines at once, each of which has its own dosage, method and schedule of use. To avoid confusion, it is desirable to write a list of drugs and the following information on each of them:

• dosage - the amount of medicine for one dose;
• schedule (how often to take pills for shortness of breath, at what intervals, at what time of day);
• additional instructions (whether the intake depends on food intake, physical activity, recommendations regarding fluid intake, driving, etc.).

If any side effects occur during treatment, it is advisable to inform the attending physician. Perhaps he will make adjustments to the dosage, or replace the medicine with another, more suitable in this situation.

Important: independently adjust the dose, frequency of intake, change the medication for others is categorically not allowed. Dyspnea is a dangerous symptom of many diseases, and the approach to treatment is often individual, determined by a doctor for each specific case.

What precautions should I take when using dyspnea pills?

Some patients, particularly children, the elderly, people with multiple chronic diseases, and pregnant women, have a greater susceptibility to some medications, so it is important for them to take extra precautions, including systematic physician monitoring.

If you have to take several medicines at the same time to help with shortness of breath, it is important to clarify their possible interaction with each other. Some medicines can reduce or increase the effect of other medicines, cause unexpected reactions and side effects.

To prevent negative consequences of treatment, the patient should name to the doctor all the medicines he takes, including phytopreparations. For example, if you take acetylsalicylic acid together with anticoagulants (Warfarin), the risks of pathological hemorrhages increase. Aluminum-containing and magnesium-containing agents (e.g., antacids) can block the absorption of Digoxin (cardiovascular medication), and Tetracycline will become ineffective if taken with drugs that contain iron, calcium, magnesium.

To summarize somewhat, we can say that when using medications to help with shortness of breath, these precautions should be followed:

• Do not try to pick up a tablet medicine on your own, or on the advice of acquaintances, relatives;
• Carefully adhere to the schedule of intake, prescribed dosage;
• Do not take more than one medication at the same time without consulting your doctor;
• do not cancel, do not replace medications prescribed by the doctor, do not make your own adjustments to the dosage.

There is no medicine that can once and for all get rid of shortness of breath. This manifestation is just a symptom of another, sometimes quite serious pathology, which often requires individual and long-term treatment.

The wrong choice of medication sometimes not only does not solve the problem, but also threatens the development of dangerous complications. To prevent negative developments, the patient should be guided not by the advice of relatives or information from commercials, but by the prescription of the attending physician.

What side effects can occur when taking pills for shortness of breath?

Pills that help with shortness of breath have a slightly higher number of side effects, unlike inhaled remedies. For example, they can have an effect on cardiac activity, which should be taken into account by patients who have heart problems, blood pressure, thyroid hyperfunction. Alcohol consumption and smoking accelerate the excretion of xanthines from the body, which leads to a decrease in their active effect. At the same time, abrupt smoking cessation during treatment can cause an increase in the level of xanthines in the circulatory system, which significantly increases the risk of side effects. To avoid this, you should stop smoking even before the start of treatment.

Anticholinergic drugs are used with extreme caution if the patient has urine outflow problems or glaucoma.

It is important to realize that prolonged use of corticosteroid pills that help with shortness of breath can lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and atrophy of the adrenal cortex, which can persist for several years after the medication is discontinued.

Taking corticosteroids can "hide" the symptomatology of infectious diseases, provoke exacerbation of systemic fungal infection, pulmonary tuberculosis.

Many combined antihistamines, sedatives, cough suppressants cause increased drowsiness, fatigue. In addition, they can aggravate the condition of patients with closed-angle glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, prostate adenoma. In elderly people, such medications sometimes provoke dizziness, shaky gait, which can lead to falls, increased injury.

Anti-allergic drugs, especially in high dosage or in combination with other medications, can cause visual disturbances, dry mucous membranes, urinary and digestive disorders, blurred consciousness. The least number of such side effects is noted in such antihistamine representatives as Cetirizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine.

What pills help with shortness of breath? Ask this question to your doctor: he will conduct an examination and choose the most suitable medication.