Qvar is a medication used to treat asthma symptoms. It is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the airways. When you breathe in Qvar, it goes directly to your lungs where it works to make breathing easier by decreasing swelling and irritation. Qvar is not a rescue medication and should not be used for sudden asthma attacks. Instead, it is used daily as a maintenance treatment to prevent and control asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Qvar helps keep your airways open and reduces the likelihood of asthma attacks.
If you want to know more about Qvar and how it works to treat asthma symptoms, keep reading.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, which causes them to become narrow and sensitive.
This inflammation leads to various symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma symptoms can vary in severity, and they are often triggered by certain environmental factors or allergens.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Asthma treatment typically includes two types of medications: quick-relief medications, which are used to treat asthma attacks, and long-term control medications, which are used to prevent asthma attacks.
People with asthma can live normal, active lives with proper management. It is important to work with a doctor to develop an asthma action plan, which will outline how to manage asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Here are some of the common triggers of asthma:
- These are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to them. Common allergens that can trigger asthma attacks include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold.
- These are substances that can irritate the airways and trigger an asthma attack. Common irritants include smoke, fumes, strong smells, and cold air.
- Exercise can trigger asthma attacks in some people. This is more common in people who have exercise-induced asthma.
- Colds and the flu can trigger asthma attacks in some people.
- Stress can trigger asthma attacks in some people.
What is Qvar
Qvar is a medication used to treat asthma symptoms. It is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the airways. When you breathe in Qvar, it goes directly to your lungs where it works to make breathing easier by decreasing swelling and irritation. Qvar is not a rescue medication and should not be used for sudden asthma attacks. Instead, it is used daily as a maintenance treatment to prevent and control asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Qvar helps keep your airways open and reduces the likelihood of asthma attacks. It is available in different strengths and is typically prescribed in combination with other medications to manage asthma effectively.
Qvar works by delivering a fine mist of beclomethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid, directly into the lungs. This medication acts on the air passages to reduce inflammation, which helps improve breathing and prevents asthma attacks. Qvar is designed to be inhaled using a special device called an inhaler, which ensures that the medication reaches the lungs efficiently. The medication is delivered in a solution using a hydrofluoroalkane-134a propellant, which allows for smaller particle sizes that can travel deeper into the lungs. This formulation helps ensure that the medication reaches the areas of the lungs where it is needed most to reduce inflammation and improve asthma control.
Qvar is particularly effective in patients who have not previously used corticosteroids, showing significant improvements in lung function and asthma symptoms compared to placebo. It is also effective in patients who are already using other asthma medications, allowing them to reduce or discontinue oral corticosteroids and improving overall asthma management.
Proper Usage of Qvar
Qvar Inhalation is a corticosteroid medication used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 years of age and older. To use Qvar Inhalation properly:
Open the white cap and breathe out fully before each inhalation. Do not open the cap until you are ready to take your dose and never breathe out into the inhaler mouthpiece. Inhale the medication as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times per day. If your prescribed dose is 2 puffs, wait at least 1 minute between them. After each use, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent side effects like dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections. Keep track of the number of inhalations used and discard the canister after the labeled number, even if it feels like there is medication left. Use Qvar Inhalation
Qvar Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
- Fungal infections (thrush) in the mouth and throat
- Worsening of asthma or sudden asthma attacks
- Adrenal insufficiency that can lead to fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting
- Increased risk of infections
- Serious allergic reactions like hives, swelling, rash, and breathing problems
- Glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye problems
- Slowed growth in children
- Lower bone density
Common Side Effects
- Headache, throat irritation, sinus irritation
- Dry/irritated throat, hoarseness, coughing, bad taste in mouth, voice changes
- Oral candidiasis (yeast infection), upper respiratory tract infections, throat pain, nasal/sinus irritation
Regularly as prescribed to get the most benefit, and do not suddenly stop using it without talking to your doctor.
Precautions and Considerations
Qvar Inhalation is a maintenance medication for asthma and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks – patients should have a quick-relief inhaler on hand for acute symptoms. It’s important to continue using Qvar as prescribed, even if asthma symptoms improve, to maintain control.
Patients should inform their doctor of any other medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, tuberculosis, or infections, as Qvar may interact with certain medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. Patients should also avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles while using Qvar, as it may increase the risk of complications. Proper inhaler technique is crucial for Qvar to be effective, so patients should follow the instructions carefully and ask their doctor or pharmacist if they have any questions.
Final Thought
Qvar is a medication used to help control asthma in people 4 years and older. It works by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the airways. When used as directed, Qvar can improve how well your lungs work, as measured by tests like FEV1 and peak flow, decrease asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, and help you better control your asthma and possibly need less rescue medication. You’ll usually see improvements in 1-4 weeks, with the full benefits coming in 3-4 weeks. It’s important to use Qvar regularly, even when you feel better, to prevent future asthma flare-ups. Qvar is an effective medication that can help manage persistent asthma by reducing airway inflammation. You can buy Qvar from USA Script Helpers, a trusted pharmacy partner.