People who suffer from asthma have very sensitive air passages and rather common things can leave them struggling for breath. Conditions or substances bringing on asthma attacks in people are called asthma triggers and there are two types of them knowing which one can prevent asthma attacks. They are allergic triggers and non-allergic triggers. The first include certain medication, animals, plants, household dust, mold, roaches, food additives and others. Non-allergic triggers include tobacco smoke, room deodorizers, household cleaning products, perfumes, wood smoke, outdoor air pollution, natural gas, heating units, respiratory infections, exercise, cold air and changes in weather. There are special medications to prevent and treat the symptoms of asthma and Primatene is one of them.

Primatene works as an expectorant and bronchodilator bringing temporary relief of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, cough, tightness of chest and shortness of breath. It helps to restore free breathing and loosen phlegm. Colds, flu and hay fever can cause congestion, throat and airway irritation, cough which can also be relieved by Primatene. It constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling in the nasal passages, thins and loosens mucus in the airway. All these happen due to the work of two active ingredient of Primatene- ephedrine HCL and guaifenesin. They act on definite receptors allowing you breathe more easily and feel pleasant relief from asthma.

Don't use Primatene if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you have high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, severe heart problems such a heart blood vessel disease, or if you are taking MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor used to treat Parkinson's disease, emotional and psychiatric conditions, depression). If any of these apply to you and you need to take a bronchodilator and expectorant, consult your doctor.

You should also consult a doctor before taking Primatene if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, if you have a chronic cough, diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal gland problems, glaucoma, seizures, prostate problems, heart problems.