About Asthma
- Overview
- Symptoms & Diagnosis
- Treatment & Management
Asthma Treatment & Management
There is no cure for asthma. However, with proper education, treatment, and management, asthma can be controlled and the severity and frequency of asthma attacks can be decreased. There are many different types of asthma medications. Your doctor will prescribe ones that are best suited for you. Your doctor may prescribe medications for controlling an asthma attack (quick-relief medications) and for preventing future asthma attacks (long-term medications). Short-acting beta-agonists are a type of quick-relief medications that are commonly used for asthma and provide prompt relief during an asthma attack. Inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), leukotriene modifiers, and immunomodulators are some of the different classes of long-term asthma medications available. These long-term medications are to be taken on a daily basis to prevent or control asthma attacks. It is important for you to take the medications as prescribed by your doctor.
For proper control of your asthma, you should work with your doctor on developing an asthma action plan. This plan should have information on how to take your medicines properly, avoid asthma triggers, determine the severity of your symptoms, respond to worsening symptoms, and seek help during an emergency. With proper management, you should be able to properly control your asthma and have very few, if any, symptoms.