The most common symptoms of an asthma attack are:
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Sometimes coughing is the only symptom. Asthma symptoms often occur at night or during exercise, but they can occur at any time.
(Note: Other conditions, such as respiratory infections, may also cause wheezing, especially in children. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned.)
What actually happens during an asthma attack?
Exposure to a trigger causes the body to produce increased amounts of a number of substances that occur naturally in everyone’s lungs. Increased amounts of these substances contribute to the swelling and the narrowing of the air passages. One type of these substances is called leukotrienes (loo-ko-TRY-eens). Leukotrienes have been associated with symptoms of asthma.
SINGULAIR is an asthma medicine that is not a steroid and is not an inhaler. SINGULAIR is a convenient once-a-day tablet that can effectively help control asthma. SINGULAIR works by blocking leukotrienes. Blocking leukotrienes can improve asthma symptoms.
SINGULAIR is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma in adults and children as young as 12 months and to help relieve the symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies (outdoor allergies in adults and children as young as 2 years, and indoor allergies in adults and children as young as 6 months).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
SINGULAIR will NOT replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms. You should still have rescue medication available and continue to take your other asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to stop. For asthma, SINGULAIR should be taken once a day, in the evening as prescribed, whether or not you have asthma symptoms. If your symptoms get worse or you need to increase the use of your rescue inhaler, call your doctor at once.
Side effects are generally mild and vary by age, and may include headache, ear infection, sore throat, and upper respiratory infection. Side effects generally did not stop patients from taking SINGULAIR. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing. SINGULAIR should be taken once a day, as prescribed. SINGULAIR is available by prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For additional safety information, please see Patient Product Information.