Ipratropium is prescribed to help patients control the symptoms of various lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that narrows and irritates the airways of the lungs. Affecting nearly 24 million Americans, asthma is a very common, but non-contagious respiratory disease that usually begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Asthma may vary in severity from person to person.
Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchioles and is characterized by productive coughing that occurs over several months. Chronic bronchitis may be caused by smoking tobacco products, air pollution, or allergens and may lead to COPD.
Common symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Low-grade fever
- Mucus production (usually yellowish or green in color)
- Chest pain
Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs in your lungs have become damaged. This can be caused by smoking, inhaling harmful chemicals, and regular exposure to air pollution. Emphysema is most commonly characterized by chronic shortness of breath that can lead to additional adverse symptoms.