Asthma
Asthma treatment
Asthma treatment9 works through a combination of medications and avoiding triggers. The types and doses of asthma medications you need depend on your age, symptoms, the severity of your asthma, and medication side effects.
Types of asthma medications
There are two types of asthma are used to treat asthma:
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Long-term control medications are taken regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. The most commonly used control medications are long-term inhaled bronchodilators, used in conjunction with quick-relief, as-needed inhaled corticosteroids.
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Rescue medications (aka quick-relief medications) are taken as needed for fast-acting relief of symptoms in the short-term. Quick-relief medications are used to treat an asthma attack in progress. They begin working within minutes and are effective for 2–6 hours, depending on the inhaler type.
Inhalers and nebulizers
Most asthma medicines are taken in the form of an inhaler10, though some asthma medicines are in pill form. Inhalers are hand-held, portable devices that deliver a specific burst of medication to the lungs.
There are two types of inhalers: the dry powder inhaler (DPI) and themetered dose inhaler (MDI).
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Dry powder inhalers require you take a quick, deep breath to inhale the medication (stored as dry powder). This type of inhaler does not require you to coordinate your breath with the medication release.
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Metered dose inhalers use a pressurized canister that fits into a plastic mouthpiece. This type of inhaler delivers a short burst of medicine when the canister is pushed into the mouthpiece. They should only be used by patients who can make decisions on their own as they require a degree of motor and breath coordination.
In addition, a nebulizer is a device that turns asthma medication into a fine mist breathed in through a mouthpiece or mask worn over the nose and mouth. A nebulizer is generally used for people who can’t use an inhaler, such as very young children, people who are very ill, or people who need large doses of medication.
You must use inhaled asthma medicines correctly in order for them to reach your lungs. You can ask your provider or nurse to watch you and check whether you are using the inhaler correctly.
If you find your inhaler difficult to use, you can ask your provider to recommend an inhaler spacer or holding chamber. These devices attach to your inhaler and allow you to easily breathe in all of the medicine. It is important that the mask or spacer is used appropriately to ensure the entire dose reaches the patient.
Medication for asthma triggered by allergies
Your provider may also prescribe medications for allergy-induced asthma11. This type of medication is taken regularly or as needed to reduce your body’s sensitivity to a particular allergen. Some of these medications for asthma triggered by allergies include:
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Allergy medications. These include oral and nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants, as well as corticosteroids and cromolyn nasal sprays. There are both over-the-counter and prescription form allergy medications available.
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Allergy shots. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be an option if you have allergic asthma and cannot avoid your triggers. Skin tests can determine which allergens trigger your asthma symptoms, followed by a series of injections containing small doses of each allergen. You may also be referred to an immunologist for allergy testing and immunotherapy.
There was a time when the only available asthma treatment was moving to a drier climate. Fortunately, we now have a wealth of knowledge and medications for asthma treatment. These treatment options can keep asthma under control and stop an asthma attack before it even starts.
When to seek emergency treatment
Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Work with your provider to determine what to do when your signs and symptoms worsen and when you need emergency treatment. Signs of an asthma emergency include:
- Shortness of breath or wheezing that gets worse with time
- Shortness of breath after light physical activity
- A quick-acting rescue inhaler (such as albuterol) having no effect
Asthma prevention
Asthma prevention12 requires a proactive approach to monitoring your symptoms. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed through a specific, customized action plan. Your plan should let you:
- Be active without having asthma symptoms
- Fully take part in exercise and sports
- Sleep all night, without asthma symptoms
- Attend school or work regularly
- Have the clearest lungs possible
- Have no (or minimal) side effects from asthma medicines
- Avoid emergency room visits or hospital stays
Asthma medication
An asthma action plan is most effective if you create it with your provider and outline the plan in writing. The plan should include when to take certain medications and when to vary the dose of your medications based on your symptoms.
You should also create a list of your triggers and the steps you need to take to avoid them. Here are some of the key components of your action plan for asthma prevention:
May be prescribed
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Track your symptoms and triggers
Write down your symptoms each day can help you recognize when you need to make treatment adjustments according to your action plan. You can write down your symptoms in a diary or on your calendar. It is important to note how often these symptoms occur and to share this information with your provider.
Here are examples of symptoms you can record:
- Wheezing (a whistling sound that accompanies shortness of breath)
- Interrupted sleep caused by breathing issues (wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath)
- Chest pain or tightness
- Number of puffs you take from a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler, such as albuterol (Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, ProAirHFA)
- Number of times asthma disrupts your daily activities at work, school, or down-time
- Asthma symptoms while exercising
- Changes in color of phlegm you cough up
- Runny nose or sneezing (hay fever symptoms)
- Anything trigger for an asthma flare-up
When you track your symptoms, you will also recognize what your triggers are. The best way to reduce your need for medication is to avoid your triggers in all forms.
Any time you have an asthma episode, think about where you were and what you were doing to look for trends. You may ask yourself:
- Was I cleaning or vacuuming?
- Did I have contact with cigarette smoke or other airborne irritants?
- Was I upset, excited or tired?
- Was I close to an animal?
- Did I have a cold or other infection?
- Was I exercising?
As you identify your triggers, list which ones you can avoid and how to best avoid them. An air filter for your room may ease asthma symptoms. Or, if you’re allergic to dust mites, consider an airtight cover over your mattress and pillows.
Record how well your lungs are working
If you regularly have trouble breathing, your asthma may not be under control. The key to controlling your asthma is to take your maintenance asthma medication as directed daily, and not to skip any doses, even if you are feeling fine. The goal is to be symptom-free and minimize the use of rescue corticosteroids.
However, if rescue-inhaled corticosteroids are needed, use them at the earliest possible sign of worsening symptoms. Speak to your provider if you find you are using your rescue therapy too often while on your maintenance medications.
Your provider may also recommend using a peak flow meter on a regular basis to take measurements at home. Your provider can explain how to use these devices and which one is right for you. They can monitor your airways in the same way you might monitor your blood pressure or take your blood temperature.
The results of your lung function tests can tell you:
- Which medicine to take
- How much to take
- When to take it
- When to call your provider
- When to seek emergency care
Adjust treatment according to your asthma action plan
If you still have trouble breathing, you may need to adjust your medications13. Your treatment should be flexible and based on changes in your symptoms, which should be assessed thoroughly each time you see your provider.
For example, if your asthma is well-controlled, your provider may prescribe less medicine. If your asthma isn't well-controlled or is getting worse, your provider may increase your medication and recommend more-frequent visits.
If you have asthma, you should carry a rescue inhaler with you at all times—this can be a life-saving medication.
If you find that you are using your rescue inhaler often, be sure to inform your prescriber. Your maintenance regimen may need to be altered under the direction of your prescriber, who will either increase the dose or add another medication on board to better control your asthma symptoms.
Related Conditions
Disclaimer: The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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