Treatment FAQ

what are the main treatment options for asthma

by Alberta Batz Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Types of asthma medications
  • Inhaled corticosteroids.
  • Leukotriene modifiers.
  • Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
  • Theophylline.
  • Combination inhalers that contain both a corticosteroid and a LABA.

Medication

Top 10 Herbs for Treating Asthma

  1. Oregano. Oregano is a powerful herb for treating asthma. ...
  2. Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo biloba contains antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat asthma. ...
  3. Ginger. Another well-known herb used for treating asthma is ginger. ...
  4. Garlic. ...
  5. Slippery Elm. ...
  6. Licorice. ...
  7. Turmeric. ...
  8. Lemongrass. ...
  9. Stinging Nettle. ...
  10. Bishop’s Weed. ...

Procedures

The TSG12 treatment, developed from the MT-2 protein, relaxed the airway smooth muscle cells, expanded the pulmonary airways, reduced pulmonary resistance and was more effective than current FDA-approved treatments, including bronchodilator inhalers used by almost all people with asthma.

Self-care

  • Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term control medicines. ...
  • Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists open your airways by relaxing the smooth muscles around them. ...
  • Combination inhaled medicines have an inhaled corticosteroid along with a long-acting beta-agonist. ...
  • Biologics target a cell or protein in your body to prevent airway inflammation. ...

More items...

Nutrition

Types of asthma medications

  • Short-acting beta agonists such as albuterol
  • Ipratropium (Atrovent)
  • Oral and intravenous corticosteroids (for serious asthma attacks)

See more

What is the best natural remedy for asthma?

Which is more effective at treating asthma?

Which asthma medication is right for your treatment?

Is there any alternative cure for asthma Other than inhalers?

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What are the main treatments of asthma?

There's currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms so you're able to live a normal, active life. Inhalers, which are devices that let you breathe in medicine, are the main treatment. Tablets and other treatments may also be needed if your asthma is severe.

What is the most common form of treatment for people with asthma?

You take most asthma medicines by breathing them in using an inhaler or nebulizer. An inhaler or nebulizer allows the medicine to go directly to your lungs. But some asthma medicines are in pill form, infusion form, or injectable form.

What are 5 treatments for asthma?

These are the most common long-term control medications for asthma. These anti-inflammatory drugs include fluticasone (Flovent HFA), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler), beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler), ciclesonide (Alvesco, Omnaris) and mometasone (Asmanex HFA).

What are 4 ways to manage asthma?

Here are six steps you can take to keep your asthma under control.Step 1: Make Your Medical Visits More Productive. ... Step 2: Create an Asthma Management Plan. ... Step 3: Assess and Monitor Your Control. ... Step 4: Understand Your Medication. ... Step 5: Reduce Asthma Triggers. ... Step 6: Learn Asthma Self-Management Skills.

What are 3 treatments for asthma?

They include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, others) and levalbuterol (Xopenex, Xopenex HFA). Short-acting beta agonists can be taken using a portable, hand-held inhaler or a nebulizer, a machine that converts asthma medications to a fine mist. They're inhaled through a face mask or mouthpiece.

What is the latest treatment for asthma?

THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- People who struggle with severe asthma now have a new treatment to get some relief. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an injectable drug called Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko), which would be administered every four weeks by a health care professional.

What are the 3 types of asthma?

Types of asthmaDifficult to control asthma.Severe asthma.Occupational asthma.

What are the 4 types of asthma?

The four main categories of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that makes it difficult to breathe, are intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent.

How was asthma treated before inhalers?

In the early 1900's, allergy immunotherapy was first introduced to treat asthma. Asthma medicines of the 1940's and 1950's consisted of epinephrine injections (adrenaline) and aminophylline tablets or suppositories. In the 1960's oral combinations were the staples of chronic therapy.

How can asthma be controlled and prevented?

Some of the most common triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, smoke from burning wood or grass, and infections like flu. Using your asthma medicine as prescribed and avoiding common triggers that bring on asthma symptoms will help you control your asthma.

What is asthma treatment?

Asthma Treatment. Asthma Medications. Asthma and Anxiety. If you or a loved one has asthma, you should know about the best treatments for short-term relief and long-term control. This will help you and your doctor manage the symptoms. If you have symptoms or an asthma attack, it's important to know when to call your doctor to prevent an emergency.

What is the best medication for asthma?

Short-acting beta-agonists are the first choice for quick relief of asthma symptoms. They include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA), epinephrine (Asthmanefrin, Primatene Mist), and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). Anticholinergics such as ipratropium (Atrovent) lessen mucus in addition to opening your airways.

What to do if your rescue inhaler doesn't work?

Likewise, if you’re having to use your rescue inhaler too often, see your doctor. You may need to change your asthma treatment for better control.

How many sections are there in asthma action plan?

You might need to keep track of your symptoms as part of your asthma action plan. Plans usually include three sections:

What is the best way to take a short burst of medicine?

A metered-dose inhaler, which uses a small aerosol canister to push out a short burst of medication through a plastic mouthpiece. A dry powder inhaler, which releases the medicine only when you take a deep breath. Asthma nebulizer. If you’re having trouble using small inhalers, your doctor may recommend a nebulizer.

How to treat smooth muscle in airway?

People with asthma often have extra smooth muscle in their airway walls. In this procedure, your doctor uses a small tube called a bronchoscope to send heat to the walls and reduce the smooth muscle. You’ll get the treatment over three visits about 2 or 3 weeks apart.

How long do you have to take corticosteroids for asthma?

Corticosteroids. If no other medicine can get your asthma attacks under control, your doctor might have you take these medications for a couple of weeks. They come in pills or liquids.

How Is Asthma Treated?

You can control your asthma and avoid an attack by taking your medicine exactly as your doctor or other medical professional tells you to do and by avoiding things that can cause an attack.

Can you take long term control if you have asthma?

If you need to use your quick-relief medicines more and more, you should visit your doctor or other medical professional to see if you need a different medicine. Long-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks, but they don’t help you if you’re having an asthma attack.

Can asthma medicine be taken with a doctor?

Asthma medicines can have side effects, but most side effects are mild and soon go away. Ask your doctor or other medical professional about the side effects of your medicines. The important thing to remember is that you can control your asthma. With your doctor’s or other medical professional’s help, make your own asthma action plan ...

Can asthma be taken as a pill?

Not everyone with asthma takes the same medicine. Some medicines can be inhaled, or breathed in, and some can be taken as a pill. Asthma medicines come in two types—quick relief and long-term control. Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack.

What is the best way to treat asthma?

Combination inhalers: combine a long-acting beta agonist with a corticosteroid to help manage asthma symptoms.

What are the different types of asthma medicine?

Generally, asthma medicines are divided into two groups: long-term control medicines and quick-relief medicines. While every person with asthma needs quick-re lief medicine, many do not need long-term control medicine.

What is a beta2 agonist?

Inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): relax the muscles around the airways when asthma symptoms are triggered. This causes the airways to open up so that air can flow through them more easily.

What is asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan can help avoid asthma triggers, track your asthma control and identify issues, respond to symptoms that are getting worse, and seek emergency treatment when needed

How often is omalizumab given?

Omalizumab: helps prevent reactions to asthma triggers like dust or pollen. Omalizumab is given as an inject ion once or twice per month and is often used when other asthma medications have not been effective.

How many outpatient visits are needed for bronchial thermoplasty?

Bronchial thermoplasty is performed over a series of 3 outpatient visits.

What is the drug that reduces the level of eosinophils?

Meopolizumab: a newer drug that reduces the level of eosinophils (cells that trigger asthma). This reduces airway inflammation and improves asthma control.

What is the best treatment for asthma?

Inhaled steroids (inhalers) are the backbone of asthma treatment for most adults and children with long-term asthma. Inhaled steroids make the airways less inflamed and less sensitive. This leads to less severe asthma symptoms and better lung function. You are less likely to have an asthma attack or need to visit the emergency room if you take inhaled corticosteroids. 1,2

How to treat asthma in 2016?

March 7, 2016. The main treatment for asthma is using asthma control medicine on a regular basis. Asthma control drugs reduce inflammation in the airways. When the airways are less inflamed, they become less sensitive, or hyperresponsive. This reduces your risk of having an asthma attack. You may need 1 or more drugs to get your asthma ...

How long does it take for asthma to go down?

This may mean increasing the dose or adding another drug. If your asthma is well controlled for at least 3 months, you may go down 1 step.

What is biologic asthma?

Biologics are used for moderate to severe asthma that is not well controlled by other drugs. This includes people who are regularly admitted to the hospital, use a rescue inhaler several times a day or week, or who are taking oral steroids. 3

Can steroids be given at different stages of asthma?

Different inhaled steroids may be given at different stages of asthma severity. 1

Can you stop taking a laba for asthma?

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking a LABA for a period of time to see if your asthma stays controlled without it. 1

Do asthma control pills work?

Control drugs do not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. If you are having an asthma attack, you will need to use a rescue inhaler to quickly open up your airways.

How many types of asthma medicines are there?

There are four types of asthma medicines and treatments:

What are the changes in the airways?

There are three changes in the airways when you have asthma: This swelling, clogging, and muscle tightening makes your airways smaller or narrower. This makes it harder for air to flow easily through your airways, and it becomes harder to breathe. There are asthma medicines that target these three changes.

Will Medicine Help Me Breathe Better When I Exercise?

Yes. Exercising, particularly in cold air, may cause airway swelling or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Quick-relief asthma medicines, taken before exercise, usually control this. If you need repeated doses of quick-relief medicine during and after exercise talk with your doctor. Your medicines may need to be adjusted. Thanks to these medicines, many Olympic and professional athletes have successful sports careers even with their asthma.

How many people make mistakes with inhalers?

For inhalers to work well, you must use them correctly. But 70 to 90% of people who use inhalers make at least one mistake when using their inhaler. 1 Inhaler mistakes can lead to uncontrolled asthma. Ask your doctor or nurse to watch you use your inhaler to make sure you are using it correctly.

Why is it important to improve indoor air quality?

Improving the indoor air quality in your home is an important part of asthma control. Your indoor air can be more polluted than outside air. Our interactive Healthy Home can show you ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home. A healthier home can reduce your exposure to allergens and irritants.

Why are anti-inflammatory medications called controllers?

Anti-inflammatories (steroidal) come in many different forms. They are also called controllers because they help to control or prevent asthma symptoms. They reduce swelling and extra mucus inside the airways. They will not relieve sudden symptoms.

Do inhalers have propellant?

The medicine is released from the inhaler when you breathe it in. Soft mist inhalers do not have propellant, but they do spray the medicine out of the inhaler. They create a cloud of medicine that sprays out softly. Different types of asthma devices. For inhalers to work well, you must use them correctly.

How to keep asthma under control?

Making the most of your asthma medications. Tracking symptoms and side effects and adjusting your treatment accordingly is key to keeping your asthma symptoms under control. With your doctor or other health care providers, write a detailed plan for taking long-term control medications and for managing an asthma attack.

What is the purpose of asthma medication?

Purpose. Types. Long-term asthma control medications. Taken regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks — the most important type of treatment for most people with asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids.

What is the best medication for allergic rhinitis?

Allergy medications. These include oral and nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants, as well as corticosteroid and cromolyn nasal sprays. Allergy medications are available over-the-counter and in prescription form. They can help with allergic rhinitis but aren't substitutes for asthma medications.

What is a long acting beta agonist?

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) These bronchodilator (brong-koh-DIE-lay-tur) medications open airways and reduce swelling for at least 12 hours. They're used on a regular schedule to control moderate to severe asthma and to prevent nighttime symptoms.

How long does it take for asthma medication to work?

Often called rescue medications, they can ease worsening symptoms or stop an asthma attack in progress. They begin working within minutes and are effective for four to six hours. They're not for daily use.

How often do you get asthma shots?

You generally receive injections once a week for a few months, and then once a month for three to five years.

Why do people use inhalers before exercise?

Some people use a quick-relief inhaler before exercise to help prevent shortness of breath and other asthma symptoms. Possible side effects include jitteriness and palpitations.

What is the purpose of asthma treatment?

Asthma treatment involves a three-part strategy: To control severe asthma, you may need to take higher doses of medications or use more than one drug. You and your doctor can create an asthma action plan to personalize your treatment strategy based on your symptoms and disease severity.

How to control asthma attacks?

attacks. To control severe asthma, you may need to take higher doses of medications or use more than one drug. You and your doctor can create an asthma action plan to personalize your treatment strategy based on your symptoms and disease severity.

What is bronchial thermoplasty?

Bronchial thermoplasty is a surgical technique used for severe asthma that hasn’t improved with other treatments. During this technique, radiofrequency energy is applied to the airway. The heat that’s generated destroys some of the smooth muscle lining the airway.

What is a short acting beta agonist?

inhaled short-acting beta-agonists. inhaled short-acting anticholinergics. a combination of an inhaled short-acting anticholinergic. and inhaled short-acting beta-agonist. A few newer treatments have made severe asthma easier to control.

How do biologics help with asthma?

Biologics. Biologic drugs work with your immune system to treat asthma. They block the activity of immune system chemicals that make your airways swell up. These drugs can prevent you from getting asthma attacks and make the attacks you do have much milder.

Does tiotropium help with asthma?

In 2015, the FDA also approved it for the treatment of asthma. Studies show that tiotropium improves asthma control when added to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids plus short-acting beta-agonists.

Can asthma be treated with corticosteroids?

of people with asthma don’t respond to standard treatments like inhaled corticosteroids. For those with severe and stubborn symptoms, a new generation of therapies — and certain treatments on the horizon — might finally offer some relief.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma medications play a central role in a treatment plan. Some medications prevent or reduce airway inflammation; others interrupt the allergic reaction that triggers symptoms; others relieve coughing and wheezing, making it easier to breathe.

What is the best way to relieve asthma symptoms?

bronchodilators relax and open the airways to relieve asthma symptoms such as coughing , wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath . anti-inflammatory medications reduce and prevent lung inflammation. combination medications combine a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory in one device.

What are common types of asthma medications?

Our most popular free download is an asthma medication chart that lists asthma inhalers by brand and name as well as biologic medications used to treat asthma.

How are inhalers used to treat asthma?

Inhalers and nebulizers are devices that allow the asthma medications to be breathed in and go straight to the airways. There are four types of delivery devices:

How do you decide what treatment is right for your asthma?

We call it Shared Decision Making – where your physician, nurse or healthcare professional discusses with you the pros and cons of a specific test or treatment, and then you come together to decide what is best for you.

What if I can’t afford asthma medication?

Asthma medications vary in price. Some are less costly, and some are very expensive. If you are unable to afford your asthma medication, consider these alternatives:

How do I reduce the need for medications?

Sometimes asthma symptoms seem to come out of nowhere. Other times, you can predict them. You can make sense of the asthma rollercoaster by tracking when and how symptoms happen.

What is the goal of asthma treatment?

The goal of asthma treatment is to avoid attacks so that you stay well. That’s often possible when you avoid your triggers, take your medicine, and follow the asthma action plan that you made with your doctor.

What to do if asthma doesn't go away?

If your symptoms are severe and don’t go away after you follow your asthma action plan and use your medications as directed by your doctor, then call 911 right away and get emergency help. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. It’s not safe.

What is asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan that lets you know how to prevent asthma attacks and manage your condition. You should already have one of these, but if you don’t, you will when you leave the hospital. Instructions for follow-up care. If your child has asthma, make sure that their school, babysitters, day care, and anyone else who takes care ...

What happens when you go to the hospital with asthma?

When you get to the hospital, the doctors will make sure that your symptoms are due to asthma, how severe it is, and whether you have any other conditions that could be involved, such as pneumonia.

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Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Govind Desai
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Asthma can be managed with medications. Medications vary depending on the severity of symptoms. The medications are administered through inhalers or nebulizers. The medication through tablets helps manage the condition.
Medication

Inhaled short-acting beta-2-agonists: Quick relief inhalators reduces the symptoms like shortness of breath. Usually prescribed for quick relief of symptoms.

Albuterol . Terbutaline


Inhaled steroids: Help in reducing the airway inflammation. Usually given for severe symptoms.

Fluticasone . Budesonide


Inhaled long-acting beta-2-agonists: Help in dilation of airways. Usually prescribed for chronic condition.

Formoterol . Salmeterol


Leukotriene-modifying agents: Help in both dilation of airways and reducing inflammation. For managing symptoms.

Zafirlukast . Zileuton


Xanthines: Help in dilation of airways. Usually prescribed if sudden shortness of breath occurs.

Theophylline


Beta-2-agonist tablets: Help in dilation of airways.

Levalbuterol . Metaproterenol


IL-4 antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in moderate to severe cases.

Reslizumab


Steroid tablets: Help in reducing the airway inflammation. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

Prednisone . Beclomethasone dipropionate


IL-5 antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

Mepolizumab


IL-5 receptor antagonist: Reduces inflammation of airways. Usually given in severe uncontrolled cases.

Benralizumab

Procedures

Bronchial thermoplasty: Reduces the bulk of smooth muscles and thereby dilating the airways. Performed in people with severe asthma. Usually done when the long term medications and inhalations doesn't help reduce the symptoms.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Try to keep your body warm.
  • Avoid smoking and indirect smoking.
  • Avoid strong perfume or freshners in bedroom.
  • Exposure to sunlight for a few minutes might help.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in Vitamin C such as kiwis, broccoli, berries, oranges and tomatoes
  • Foods rich in Vitamin E such as almonds, spinach and sweet potato
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as canola oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil and mustard oil

Food to avoid:

  • Dried fruits like dried apricot
  • Alcoholic drinks like wine or beer
  • Frozen or prepared shrimp
  • Food with high amount of sulphites and preservatives like pickles
  • Food that is allergic to your body

Specialist to consult

Allergist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders.
Pulmonologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the respiratory system.
Respiratory therapist
Specializes in diagnosing, assessing, monitoring, and treating patients suffering from dysfunctions of the cardiopulmonary system.

Coping and Support

  • Physical exam
    Your doctor will perform a physical exam to rule out other possible conditions, such as a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your doctor will also ask you questions about your signs and symptoms and about any other health problems.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

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Lifestyle Changes

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Types of Asthma Medicines

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Additional Treatment to Manage Symptoms

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When to Call Your Doctor Or Seek Emergency Help

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