Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Contains the active ingredient:  Budesonide (200 mcg/dose), which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Budesonide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs. (NB: Corticosteroids are often simply called steroids, but it should be noted that they are very different from another group of steroids, called anabolic steroids, which have gained notoriety because of their abuse by some athletes and body builders.)

When budesonide is inhaled it is absorbed into the cells of the lungs and airways. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system and are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses that result in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the lungs and airways, inflammation is reduced.

In asthma, the airways tighten due to inflammation and can also be blocked by mucus. This makes it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By preventing the inflammation and excess mucus formation, budesonide makes it easier to breathe and helps prevent asthma attacks. It does not work to treat an asthma attack.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Size : 100 doses