Mast Stabilizer Drugs
Mast cells release histamines, leukotrienes and other mediators of the inflam-
matory process. Mast cell stabilizer drugs inhibit the early asthmatic response
and the late asthmatic response. They have no bronchodilator effect nor do they
have any effect on any inflammatory mediators already released in the body.
They are indicated for the prevention of bronchospasms and bronchial asthma
attacks. They are administered by aerosol inhalation. The exact action of the
drugs have not been determined. However, they are believed to have a modest
effect in lowering the required dose of corticosteroids. The most common mast
stabilizer drugs are cromolyn (Intal) and nedocromil (Tilade).
A list of drugs utilized in the treatment of lower respiratory tract disorders is
provided in the Appendix. Detailed tables show doses, recommendations, expec-
tations, side effects, contraindications, and more; available on the book’s Web
site (see URL in Appendix).Summary
Respiratory diseases interfere with air passages or gas exchanges of the respi-
ratory system. They are grouped together according to the portion of the
respiratory tract they affect. These are the upper respiratory tract and the lower
respiratory tract.
Diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract are called upper respiratory
infections (URIs). These include the common cold, acute rhinitis (not the same
as allergic rhinitis), sinusitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute laryngitis.
Diseases that affect the lower respiratory tract are called lower respiratory infec-
tions (LRIs). Lower respiratory infections include pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Some conditions obstruct or restrict tracheobronchial tubes and prevent the
exchange of gas within the lungs. These conditions are referred to as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. These include bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphy-
sema and asthma.
Some patients treat URIs with home remedies to treat the infection, however
these don’t kill the bacteria or virus that causes the infection. Home remedies at
times do help to ease the symptoms of the disease.
When home remedies don’t work, patients often use over-the-counter drugs or
prescription drugs. The most commonly used are antihistamines (blocks histamines
produced by the body), decongestants (reduces swollen nasal mucous membranes),
antitussives (suppress the coughing reflex), and expectorants (loosens mucus).(^266) CHAPTER 14 Respiratory Diseases