Let's learn about special medications (Leukotriene Modifiers) that control allergies and asthma.

Frequent sneezing, runny nose, and sometimes difficulty breathing... How annoying are these? Many people suffer from allergies and asthma. So today we are going to talk about a relatively new class of medications used to control these conditions. These are called 'Leukotriene Modifiers'.

What are Leukotriene Modifiers? How do they work?

Before we understand this medicine, let's learn about a little something that happens in our body.

Simply put, when something we are allergic to, that is, an allergen - for example, dust, pollen - enters our body, our immune system responds to it. As part of this response, our body produces chemicals called 'leukotrienes' .

This chemical, called leukotriene, is responsible for many of our allergy and asthma symptoms . This is because:

• The airways leading to the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe (suffocation occurs).
• Mucus and other fluids are produced more inside the airways.
• The nasal tissues become swollen and the nose becomes blocked.

So, what Leukotriene Modifiers do is block the action of a chemical called leukotriene. To be precise, they prevent this chemical from interacting with the cells in the body. It's like closing a door. And that controls the occurrence of those annoying symptoms that we talked about earlier. But remember, these are not usually the first line treatment.

How does this medicine help control allergy symptoms?

Sneezing, a runny nose, a runny nose, and a stuffy nose are common symptoms of allergies (allergic rhinitis). In addition, itchy, swollen, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) and a sore throat can also occur. Those who experience these conditions know how difficult it is to live with.

Leukotriene modifiers, which block the action of leukotrienes, are a great help in controlling the sneezing and itching that occur in the early stages of allergies, as well as the nasal congestion that occurs after a while.

How to use this medicine for asthma?

These medications are mainly used for the prevention and long-term control of asthma. They are also recommended for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma.

However, this is very important : This medicine cannot be used alone to control an acute asthma attack. This means that taking this medicine will not help when the asthma is very severe and you are having difficulty breathing. At such times, you should use a quick-acting, reliever inhaler . This Leukotriene Modifier medicine is important to keep the disease under control.

What are the most commonly prescribed Leukotriene Modifiers in Sri Lanka?

Although asthma medications such as `zafirlukast (Accolate)` and `zileuton (Zyflo)` belong to this group, the most commonly used medication in Sri Lanka, which is approved for both allergic rhinitis and asthma, is `montelukast` . You may know it by the brand name `Singulair`.

Here are the effectiveness of montelukast as found in research:

Therefore, doctors usually recommend trying an intranasal steroid spray before prescribing a Leukotriene Modifier, as their effects may be more potent.

Are there any side effects?

As with any medicine, some people may experience side effects. The most common ones include:

• Feeling like you have a fever
• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nasal congestion

Something to be especially careful about!

The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of serious mental health side effects with the drug `Montelukast.` Although these are very rare , it is important to be aware of them.

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms while taking this medicine, stop taking the medicine immediately and inform your doctor:

• Restlessness, agitation
• Strange or frightening dreams
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts

If you see something like this, don't delay. Seek medical advice immediately.

Who should not use this medicine?

• Young children: The safety of these medications for asthma in infants under 12 months of age and perennial allergic rhinitis in infants under 6 months of age has not yet been established. Therefore, do not give these to young children without the advice of a doctor.
• Pregnant and nursing mothers: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely talk to your doctor before taking this medication.

This medicine comes in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, and granules. It can take anywhere from three days to two weeks to get the full benefit of this medicine. So don't stop taking it just because you don't feel better in two or three days. Use it for the full duration as prescribed by your doctor.

Leukotriene Modifiers, montelukast, allergy, asthma, rhinitis, respiratory diseases