Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

The treatment of myasthenia gravis is possible only after its correct diagnosis. The doctor first needs to understand exactly muscles of which part of the body are affected. The doctor then, adopts the required method of treatment which can either be through medications or surgery. The medication may commonly include cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants. These drugs help in reduction of autoimmune processes. Neostigmine and pyridostigmine are acetylecholiesterase inhibitors that enhance muscle function by discouraging down the enzyme cholinesterase activity. This enzyme is responsible for degrading acetylcholine. Initially, very low doses of the drugs are administered. The dosage is increased in accordance with the response.

Immunosuppresant drugs that comprise of prednisone and azathioprine are given to the patient for treatment of myasthenia gravis. These drugs are given in combination with other drugs that inhibit cholinesterase. As the patient starts with these medications, he should not expect sudden relief because they may take enough time like weeks or months before showing their effect. If the myasthenia case is severe then plasmapheresis may be given for removal of the culprit antibody from circulation. If these antibodies are not removed they are made to bind with the help of immunoglubulins that are administered intravenously.

When treatment of myasthenia gravis does not seem to be achieved through medications, surgery is performed. Thymectomy is the type of surgery that is performed to remove thymus. It is though, not necessary that it would work in every case. There are various approaches of this surgery through which the objective can be achieved. The ultimate objective of the treatment is relieving muscles from getting tired abnormally and enhancing their normal function. The treatment may take time depending upon the case. Some patients may not need medications for longer periods whereas some may require them for longer. Except in severe cases, the patients may expect a normal lifestyle after the treatment.

Corticosteroids on Asthma

Corticosteroids are a type of steroids that are used in treating asthma. These corticosteroids are known as glucocorticosteroids. As you come to know that you will be having steroids, you may get very apprehensive about its tremendous side effects, you must have heard about. But at times, they are necessarily to be recommended by the doctor inorder to control the inflammation and swelling that may raise alarm. Corticosteroid medication may involve inhalation as well as oral intake of medicines. They come as the only available option when your asthma doesn’t respond well to bronchodilators and other such medications. Corticosteroids on asthma can be very effective and helpful in relieving from its bad symptoms.

The inhalation of corticosteroids works especially in mild to moderate degrees of asthma. When nothing seems to work, that means that the condition of asthma is quite critical and here the corticosteroids are prescribed to be taken orally. Doctors tend not to over-prescribe them as this may lead to many side effects. These drugs if taken in high doses or for longer periods may cause long-lasting health problems. So, these drugs should to be taken the way that the balance between treatment and side effects is maintained. The effect of corticosteroids on asthma thus can be beneficial but only if they are given in a limit.

Some of the common corticosteroids that are prescribed by doctors while treating asthma are cortisone, prednisone, fluticasone, mometasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone and budesonide. Depending upon the condition of asthma, the corticosteroid dosages are prescribed. These dosages may be decided in accordance with inhalation courses, short and long term oral courses and oral treatment on alternate day basis. Long term steroid medications may result in addiction of the patient to that particular drug. The usage of corticosteroids on asthma can help a great deal, but with some precautionary measures.