Treatment FAQ

what are the treatment for asthma

by Dr. Elda Greenholt DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing. In some cases, allergy medications are necessary. Long-term asthma control medications, generally taken daily, are the cornerstone of asthma treatment.Mar 5, 2022

Medication

  • Have asthma symptoms on 2 days a week or less.
  • Use your quick-relief inhaler on 2 days a week or less.
  • Have no asthma symptoms at night and do not wake up because of asthma symptoms.
  • Can exercise, work, and go to school with no limitations on your activity level.
  • Have a peak flow that is near your personal best (or better).

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

Types of asthma medications

  • Inhaled corticosteroids
  • Leukotriene modifiers
  • Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
  • Theophylline
  • Combination inhalers that contain both a corticosteroid and a LABA

Nutrition

Treatment - Asthma

  • Inhalers. Some people need an inhaler that does both (combination inhalers). ...
  • Tablets. You may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control your symptoms. ...
  • Other treatments. Other treatments, such as injections or surgery, are rarely needed, but may be recommended if all other treatments are not helping.
  • Work-related asthma. ...

See more

What is the ultimate goal of treatment in asthma?

Which is more effective at treating asthma?

What medications are useful in treating asthma?

What are some ways that I can treat asthma?

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What is the best treatment for asthma?

Long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are the most important medications used to keep asthma under control. These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms. Used on a daily basis, these medications can reduce or eliminate asthma flare-ups.

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 is the main medicine for asthma?

These anti-inflammatory drugs are the most effective and commonly used long-term control medications for asthma....Inhaled corticosteroids include:Fluticasone (Flovent HFA)Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler)Ciclesonide (Alvesco)

Is there any treatment to cure asthma?

There's no cure for asthma. However, it's a highly treatable disease. In fact, some doctors say today's asthma treatments are so effective, many people have near-complete control of their symptoms.

What are 4 treatments for asthma?

Quick-relief (rescue) medications are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack. They may also be used before exercise if your doctor recommends it....MedicationsInhaled corticosteroids. ... Leukotriene modifiers. ... Combination inhalers. ... Theophylline.

What is the tablet for asthma?

You can take them as pills or liquids. These include montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo). Cromolyn prevents your airways from swelling when they come into contact with an asthma trigger. It's a non-steroid medicine that comes in an inhaler.

What are the 3 types of asthma?

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

How is asthma treated in adults?

Anti-inflammatories: This is the most important type of medication for most people with asthma. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as inhaled steroids, reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result, airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to triggers.

Do you take antibiotics for asthma?

Can antibiotics help my asthma symptoms? The best way to treat asthma is by taking a regular preventer medicine, usually as an inhaler, and a reliever inhaler when needed. Asthma cannot be treated with antibiotics because the inflammation in your airways isn't caused by bacteria.

What causes asthma?

Common Triggers Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds. Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and mold. Irritants in the air, such as smoke, chemical fumes and strong odors. Exercise (although people with well-controlled asthma can exercise)

Why do people get asthma?

Contact with allergens, certain irritants, or exposure to viral infections as an infant or in early childhood when the immune system isn't fully mature have been linked to developing asthma. Exposure to certain chemicals and dusts in the workplace may also play a significant role in adult-onset asthma.

Can asthma cause death?

Asthma deaths are very tragic because they can be prevented with the proper treatment and education. A person should never underestimate the severity of an asthma attack. Even people with mild asthma are at risk for severe and even fatal attacks.

How to manage asthma?

Taking an active role in managing your asthma treatment will help you maintain better long-term asthma control, prevent asthma attacks and avoid long-term problems. Create a written asthma action plan with your doctor. This written plan will serve as an asthma treatment guide tailored to your specific needs. It will help you follow these three ...

How to write asthma symptoms?

Write down your symptoms in an asthma diary each day. Recording symptoms can help you recognize when you need to make treatment adjustments according to your asthma action plan. Use your asthma diary to record: 1 Shortness of breath or whistling sounds when you exhale (wheezing). 2 Disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. 3 Chest tightness or pain. 4 Quick-relief (rescue) inhaler use — record when you need to use your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol (Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, ProAirHFA), and write down how many puffs you take. 5 Disruptions to work, school, exercise or other day-to-day activities caused by asthma symptoms. 6 Asthma symptoms during exercise. 7 Changes in color of phlegm you cough up. 8 Hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. 9 Anything that seems to trigger asthma flare-ups.

What is the measurement of air in the lungs called?

This measurement is called forced expiratory volume (FEV1) . Your FEV1 measurement is compared with the typical FEV1 for people who don't have asthma.

What is a quick relief inhaler?

Quick-relief inhalers contain a fast-acting medication such as albuterol. These medications are sometimes called rescue inhalers. They're used as needed to quickly open your airways and make breathing easier. Knowing when to use these medications can help prevent an impending asthma attack.

How to keep a record of asthma?

It will help you follow these three important steps and keep a good record of your asthma treatment: 1. Track your symptoms. Write down your symptoms in an asthma diary each day. Recording symptoms can help you recognize when you need to make treatment adjustments according to your asthma action plan. Use your asthma diary to record:

What happens if your lungs aren't working?

If your lungs aren't working as well as they should be, your asthma may not be under control. There are two main lung function tests: Peak flow.

How much of your personal best is asthma?

60 to 80% of your predicted personal best. Less than 60% of your predicted personal best. There are two main types of medications used to treat asthma: Long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are the most important medications used to keep asthma under control.

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.

How many types of asthma medicines are there?

There are four types of asthma medicines and treatments:

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.

Will I Have to Take Medicine All the Time?

Maybe not. Asthma is a chronic condition (which means you will have it all of your life) that is controllable. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. For that reason, you may have asthma symptoms when exposed to triggers. This is the case even if you don’t have symptoms very often. Your triggers can change over time, and your treatment will depend on two things: how severe your asthma is, and how often you have symptoms. If your asthma is controlled, your treatment will focus on managing symptoms and treatment of episodes when they happen.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is the best treatment for asthma?

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. You'll usually create a personal action plan with a doctor or asthma nurse.

How does heat help asthma?

It involves passing a thin, flexible tube down your throat and into your lungs. Heat is then used on the muscles around the airways to help stop them narrowing and causing asthma symptoms .

Why do people use combination inhalers?

Combination inhalers are used every day to help stop symptoms occurring and provide long-lasting relief if they do occur. It's important to use it regularly, even if you do not have symptoms. Side effects of combination inhalers are similar to those of reliever and preventer inhalers. Asthma UK: combination inhalers.

Why do you need a preventer inhaler?

You use a preventer inhaler every day to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of your airways, which stops your symptoms occurring. It's important to use it even when you do not have symptoms. Speak to a GP or asthma nurse if you continue to have symptoms while using a preventer inhaler.

How to prevent throat soreness?

You can help prevent these side effects by using a spacer, which is a hollow plastic tube you attach to your inhaler, as well as by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler. Asthma UK: preventer inhalers.

Can a reliever inhaler cause a fast heartbeat?

They may suggest additional treatment, such as a preventer inhaler. Reliever inhalers have few side effects, but they can sometimes cause shaking or a fast heartbeat for a few minutes after they're used. Asthma UK: reliever inhalers.

Can you take tablets with an inhaler?

You may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control your symptoms.

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.

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.

What is magnesium sulfate used for?

The doctor may also give you a dose of magnesium sulfate, which you’d get by IV, to help the muscles around your airways relax. These aren’t medicines that would be a normal part of asthma care -- doctors just use them for emergencies.

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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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Treatment

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Preparation

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Overview

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Symptoms

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Prevention

Uses

Results

  • A nebulizer is a machine with tubing that takes liquid medicine and turns it into a mist that you inhale. Nebulizers are an option for anyone who has difficulty using an asthma inhaler.
See more on aafa.org

Medical uses

  • Yes. Asthma symptoms often occur at night. Many people wake up with asthma symptoms such as coughing or wheezing. You can control nighttime symptoms by taking asthma controller medicines on a regular basis.
See more on aafa.org

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