Viagra medicines contain Sildenafil Citrate as their active ingredient. Sildenafil Citrate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor component. It is clinically classified under the PDE-5 inhibitors category.  

Sildenafil Citrate is used to overcome erection difficulties. Apart from that, it is also prescribed for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Some research indicated that Sildenafil Citrate might help alleviate the symptoms of asthma. 

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name drug that treats erectile dysfunction (ED). It is commonly prescribed by most healthcare professionals. It has also acquired approval from the FDA for use in treating impotency.   

It is composed of Sildenafil Citrate, which is its key ingredient. Sildenafil Citrate is a PDE-5 inhibitor compound that helps restore healthy erection function.

With Sildenafil Citrate as the active component, Viagra stops the action of PDE-5 enzymes and increases blood flow to the penile.  

Viagra medicines are available on prescription only. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a suitable dose according to your needs. It is not safe to use these medicines without a doctor’s prescription.

What is asthma?

In general, asthma is a chronic lung condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by narrowing and swelling of the airways.

It can give rise to symptoms such as breathing difficulties, coughing, shortness of breath, and a whistling sound while exhaling.

The link between asthma and pulmonary hypertension

Asthma can contribute to pulmonary hypertension. It can lead to its development after narrowing and vasoconstriction of the airways and arteries.

According to an article published on a website known as scienceDirect.com, individuals having bronchial asthma are likely to develop pulmonary hypertension.

Effects of Viagra on asthma patients

Viagra is primarily prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction. It is made from Sildenafil Citrate, which is a clinically proven compound that improves erection response.

Sildenafil is a drug that is an alternative to Viagra medicines. It is a generic version of Viagra. The only difference between Viagra and Sildenafil is the brand name. In other words, Viagra is a brand-name version of Sildenafil.

Viagra medicines are prescribed only in case of erectile dysfunction. Whereas Sildenafil can be used for treating both erectile dysfunction as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Sildenafil citrate might provide relief from asthma symptoms. It can dilate the narrowed airways of the lungs and ease the supply of oxygen. The expansion of the airways overcomes breathing problems and coughing symptoms.  

How does Viagra treat asthma?

Sildenafil Citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra medicines. It can also alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It works by increasing the levels of nitric oxide in the walls of the arteries.

Nitric oxide is a powerful chemical that conducts vasodilation in the lungs. It ensures the health and optimal functioning of the arteries.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs because of the narrowing of the arteries. The accumulation of plaque inside the arteries limits the flow of blood through them. This leads to inflammation of the arteries.  

In the case of asthma, the component, Sildenafil Citrate, performs vasodilation in the lungs, which eases asthma symptoms. Sildenafil Citrate releases a chemical, known as nitric oxide, in the arterial walls.

Nitric oxide triggers the release of cGMP, which relaxes the muscle tensions in the arteries. This relaxation improves the blood flow in the lungs, and it dilates the airways to ease breathing.

What does the research have to say?

According to a small study conducted by Jordanian researchers, Sildenafil Citrate might have a moderate impact on asthma problems. The research revealed that PDE-5 inhibitors like Sildenafil (Viagra) might help manage the symptoms of asthma.

However, more conclusive clinical research needs to be done to confirm the effect of Sildenafil (Viagra) on a chronic lung disease like asthma. Therefore, with a lack of evidence, one cannot arrive at a conclusion.

Effectiveness of Viagra

The effects of Viagra (Sildenafil) medicine may remain for around 3 to 4 hours after intake. Beyond 4 hours, the effect of the medicine starts declining and after a few hours, the medicinal residue gets eliminated and thrown out from the body.

Additionally, Viagra alternatives like Fildena can also offer the same effectiveness as Viagra. These medicines have the same active component and are available at very affordable prices. 

Side effects of Viagra medicines

Side effects of Sildenafil drugs include nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing, insomnia, rashes, sore throat, nasal congestion, stomachache, back pain, blurred vision, diarrhea, and dizziness. These minor effects are common, and they go away after a short time.

Apart from these, Sildenafil Citrate pills also potentiate the risk of some serious side effects like priapism (prolonged and painful erections), low blood pressure, vision loss in one or both eyes, hearing impairment, etc.