Budesonide is prescribed as a preventative measure for symptoms of asthma. When used regularly, this medication works to reduce inflammation in the airways. Over time, this reduces the risk and severity of asthma attacks.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that narrows and irritates the airways of the lungs. Even though asthma affects nearly 24 million Americans every year, it is non-contagious. Instead, the disease often develops early in childhood and continues on into adulthood.
Asthma develops over an individual’s lifetime and may vary in severity from person to person. Most people experience asthma symptoms during an “asthma attack” – an episode triggered potentially triggered by the factors above – that results in sensations commonly associated with the condition.
These common symptoms include:
- Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath
- Coughing episodes
- Wheezing while exhaling (a sort of whistling rasp as you breathe out)
- Chest tightness
More severe cases of asthma may cause chronic problems such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent asthma attacks
- Increased need for an inhaler (especially after physical activity)
It is important to note that budesonide is used to prevent respiratory symptoms of asthma. It should not be used to treat asthma attacks that are currently happening.