Definition
Pulmicort is a prescription drug with the active ingredient budenoside, which belongs to the group of glucocorticoids. Pulmicort is used as a powder inhaler or as a suspension in a nebulizer for various respiratory diseases. Pulmicort is also available as a nasal spray.
Mode of action
The active ingredient budesenoside belongs to the group of glucocorticoids, to which cortisol also belongs. It unfolds its effect via specific docking points on the cells and intervenes in the metabolic processes there. The result is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
Fewer messenger substances that maintain an inflammation are produced and more anti-inflammatory substances are formed. In addition, Pulmicort has a direct inhibitory effect on the body’s own immune system. However, glucocorticoids are also known to have many other undesirable effects, which are particularly noticeable with long-term use.
These include weight gain, brittle bones, increased blood pressure and the so-called steroid acne. These side effects do not occur with Pulmicort, however, in contrast to cortisol due to its special chemical structure and dosage form. On the one hand, Pulmicort is only used locally as an aerosol or inhaled powder, and on the other hand, the active ingredient is metabolized directly in the liver after absorption via the gastrointestinal tract and rendered ineffective. Even if used incorrectly or swallowed, there is no systemic effect or side effect on the entire organism.
Fields of application
Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, Pulmicort is frequently used for diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. The main area of application for the inhaler is bronchial asthma. Here, Pulmicort is used as a long-term medication in symptom-free phases to keep the disease under control and prevent an asthma attack.
1-2 inhalation bursts a day are recommended. However, Pulmicort is not suitable for acute asthma attacks with shortness of breath, as there are faster and better remedies available and Pulmicort has a long-term effect that only starts later. You can find out how to treat an asthma attack correctly here: Asthma attack Chronic bronchitis together with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are also frequently treated with Pulmicort.
Here the focus is on alleviating the symptoms and fighting the chronic inflammation. However, Pulmicort cannot bring about a cure here either. The larynx can also be inflamed.
If the part below the glottis is affected, this is called pseudocroup, which is not uncommon in children with a barking cough and pain and even respiratory distress. In severe cases with treatment in hospital, Pulmicort is also used here to treat the inflammation. Infants and toddlers who cannot master the breathing maneuver required for effective treatment with a powder inhaler are treated with the more easily applicable nebulizers.
Pulmicort in the form of nasal sprays is used for allergic rhinitis or hay fever. The symptoms can be suppressed well with these sprays. The desired effects of treatment with Pulmicort occur after about one week. This is important to know, as you should take the product as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not initially feel any improvement in your symptoms.
