Prescription asthma treatment and hassle-free online care

Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which inflamed or narrowed airways make breathing difficult. It affects an estimated over 260 million people worldwide—and the severity and frequency of symptoms vary from person to person. Common symptoms include pain or tightness in the chest, coughing (particularly in the morning or evening), shortness of breath and wheezing.

There’s no cure for asthma. But the proper treatment can help you control symptoms and prevent attacks.

Researchers don’t know why some people have asthma and others don’t. But factors thought to increase a person’s risk include:

• Preexisting allergies
• A family history of asthma
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to chemical irritants in the workplace
• Having had respiratory infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a child

An asthma attack—sometimes called a flare-up—happens when symptoms become acute and more difficult to manage. During an attack, muscles surrounding the airways tighten. The airway linings become inflamed, which increases mucus production. As a result, symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can become more severe.

Short-acting medications like Albuterol can help relieve severe symptoms—but an attack can be life-threatening. If you experience a severe attack, seek medical attention right away.

There are several ways to classify asthma. The most common types include:

• Intermittent vs. persistent asthma, which is based on the frequency of symptoms
• Allergic vs. nonallergic asthma, which is defined by what causes an attack 
• Adult-onset asthma, which begins after the age of 18
• Pediatric asthma, which starts before the age of 5

Other types include:

• Occupational asthma, which is caused by substances in the workplace
• Exercise-induced asthma, which is triggered by physical activity
• Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome, which happens when a person has both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

First, work with a medical provider to find the right treatment. Then learn how to recognize and avoid your “triggers”—substances or activities that can inflame your condition and cause an attack.

Common triggers include:

• Air pollutants like car exhaust, industrial emissions or smoke
• Exercise
• Allergens like dust, mold, pet dander and pollen
• Secondhand tobacco smoke
• Household chemicals

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that can also cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, cough, wheezing and chest tightness. Here’s how to tell the conditions apart:

• Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (like  allergies). Most cases of COPD are caused by smoking or prolonged exposure to chemicals.
• Asthma symptoms usually start to appear during childhood, while COPD usually occurs in people over 40.
• While asthma symptoms can improve or come and go over time, COPD symptoms are usually constant and become more severe.

There are a range of effective asthma treatments, including:

• Inhaled corticosteroids: The most common long-term treatment, inhaled corticosteroids bind with specific immune receptors to decrease inflammation. This opens airways and reduces mucus production, making it easier to breathe. Dr. B offers several popular inhaled corticosteroid medications. These include Fluticasone Propionate (brand versions Flovent HFA, Flovent Diskus and ArmonAir Digihaler) and Budesonide (brand version Pulmicort Flexhaler).
• 2-in-1 corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): These inhaler treatments combine a corticosteroid with a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator medication. Together, they open airways and reduce swelling for around 12 hours. These Fluticasone Furoate-Vilanterol (brand version Breo Ellipta), Fluticasone Propionate-Salmeterol (brand version Advair Diskus) and Budesonide-Formoterol (brand version Symbicort).
• Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs): These beta-agonists provide short-term relief during an attack. Sometimes called quick-relief bronchodilators or rescue inhalers, they’re usually taken only as needed. Dr. B offers the popular SABA Albuterol Sulfate (Salbutamol) and its brand versions ProAir RespiClick, Proair Digihaler, Proventil and Ventolin.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Leukotriene receptor antagonists block the effects of leukotrienes—chemicals that create an allergy response in the body. Dr B. offers the oral tablet Montelukast, which is also sold under the brand name Singulair.

Common asthma medicine side effects vary depending on the type of treatment you use.

• Inhaled corticosteroids can cause side effects like a sore throat or mouth, hoarse voice, cough or thrush—a fungal infection.
• Long-acting and short-acting beta-agonists can cause side effects like increased heart rate, dizziness, headache or anxiety.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists can cause side effects like an upset stomach, rash or headache.

These side effects are typically mild and may diminish over time. Talk to your medical provider if they get worse.

If you’re looking to get an Albuterol Sulfate prescription, Fluticasone Propionate-Salmeterol prescription or a prescription for Montelast online, Dr. B can help!

Fill out a short online health assessment detailing your health history and current symptoms. A licensed medical provider will review your health assessment. If appropriate, they’ll send a prescription medication to the pharmacy of your choice. Dr. B currently offers 15+ brand and generic asthma medications. Start your assessment today to find the one that’s right for you.

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Prices for your medication will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is brand or generic.