Budesonide for inhalation (brand name, Pulmicort; AstraZeneca) is a corticosteroid used to prevent breathing difficulties, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing caused by respiratory disorders, such as asthma and COPD. Corticosteroids work because they reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, making air flow easier in the lungs.
How does budesonide for COPD work?
Budesonide is a prescription medicine for the management of asthma and COPD. It is not a bronchodilator and is not intended for immediate relief of symptoms. It is a corticosteroid but its exact mechanism of action in respiratory diseases is not known. Inflammation, however, is known to be one of the most important issues in these diseases. Corticosteroids inhibit multiple inflammatory-related cell types, and this anti-inflammatory action is thought to contribute to their efficacy as an asthma and COPD treatment.
Indications and side effects
Budesonide comes as a powder that, using an inhaler, is taken in with a deep breath, or as a suspension to be inhaled using a nebulizer, which turns medicine into a mist to be inhaled. It should be taken twice daily at the same time.
Most common side effects are headache, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, sleeping disorders, neck or back pain, ear infections, and nosebleeds.
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