It is a medical problem which can be mild or severe. In many individuals, this condition is life-threatening. The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology is very concerned about the seriousness of the asthma problem in the USA during the 1980's, especially when more asthma cases are being identified, more asthma cases are being seen in emergency departments and are admitted to the hospital, and more deaths have occurred which are directly related to asthma. Proper management of asthma requires the involvement of a knowledgeable physician. Several types of medications are available to the physician to treat asthma attacks and to help prevent asthma.
Some medications contain the drug anhydrous theophylline.
This drug has been used for more than 50 years throughout the world to both treat asthma attacks and to help prevent asthma. Anhydrous theophylline, like almost all medications used to manage asthma, may have side effects - when used in some individuals. When used properly, most patients benefit from its use without significant side effects. Physicians who prescribe medications containing theophylline must always weigh the potential risk of the use of this type of medication with the potential benefit for control of the asthmatic condition - just as these physicians must do when they treat any medical condition with a medication. Anhydrous theophylline is one of the best studied of any type of drug used to manage asthma.