Treatment FAQ

what are the treatment of asthma

by Billie Borer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

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

Your goal in managing asthma is to:

  • Get an accurate asthma diagnosis.
  • Work with your doctor to come up with an asthma action plan.
  • Monitor your peak flow rate daily and do the right things when it drops.
  • Keep an asthma diary so you can track all your symptoms and medication use.
  • Avoid asthma triggers or causes of asthma, including outdoor irritants like smog.

More items...

Nutrition

The most important pros of the devices include:

  • Better asthma control and improved quality of life.
  • Aiding discussions between clinicians and patients.
  • Patients’ awareness of monitoring may improve their compliance.
  • Increased patient involvement and motivation for treating their condition.
  • More informed decision-making (based on real, not reported usage) for clinicians.

See more

What is the ultimate goal of treatment in asthma?

Which is more effective at treating asthma?

What is the best thing to do for asthma?

What are the pros and cons of 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 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 first treatment for asthma?

The benefits of early treatment of symptomatic asthma have been shown, and several international guidelines recommend anti-inflammatory medication, preferably with inhaled steroids as first-line treatment to gain control of the disease as fast as possible.

What is the tablet for asthma?

Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA) Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) Metaproterenol. Terbutaline.

How is asthma treated in adults?

Treatment of asthma in adultsAnti-inflammatories – inhaled corticosteroids are taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms by reducing airway sensitivity and inflammation. ... Bronchodilators – inhaled short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators are taken occasionally to relieve symptoms.More items...•

What causes asthma?

Different allergens and irritants can act as triggers for different people, but common asthma triggers include: 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.

Can antibiotics help 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 are the 2 types of inhalers?

The main types of inhaler devices are metered dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers....Examples of dry powder inhalers include:Turbuhaler.Accuhaler.Handihaler.Ellipta inhaler.Breezhaler.

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.

How to control asthma?

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. Not everyone with asthma takes the same medicine. Some medicines can be inhaled, or breathed in, and some can be taken as a pill.

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 ...

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 many types of asthma medicines are there?

There are four types of asthma medicines and treatments:

How often do you get an infusion for asthma?

Injectables (Biologics) Injectable asthma treatment (biologics) are shots or infusions given every few weeks. Shots may be given at the doctor’s office or self-administered at home using an auto-injector device, depending on the type of treatment. Infusions are given intravenously at the doctor’s office.

What is a metered dose inhaler?

There are four types of asthma inhaler devices that deliver medicine: metered dose inhalers (MDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI), breath actuated inhalers, and soft mist inhalers. Metered dose inhalers have medicine plus a propellant. The propellant sprays the medicine out of the inhaler in a short burst.

How do you use a nebulizer machine for asthma?

A nebulizer machine, or “breathing machine,” turns liquid asthma medicine into a mist. You then breathe in the medicine through a mask or mouthpiece. Nebulizers may be easier to use than asthma inhalers for some people. Once the nebulizer is set up and ready to use, simply breathe in and out as normal.

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 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.

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 are the two most important components for managing work-related asthma?

The two most important components for managing work-related asthma are avoidance of environmental triggers and medically controlling clinical symptoms.

What is asthma surveillance?

Surveillance. Work-related asthma surveillance includes monitoring employees over time at either the worksite or in a clinical setting. Depending on the types of exposures present, some employers might choose to establish a medical surveillance program for their workers.

Is exposure cessation the best approach?

Exposure cessation is the optimal approach, but exposure reduction through the use of workplace controls may be benefit some workers with work-related asthma.

Does smoking cause asthma?

Smoking has been associated with difficulty maintaining adequate asthma control. Consider referral to a pulmonary, allergy, or occupational medicine specialist for further testing and identification of work-related exposures.

What is the best way to treat asthma?

You may need to use a machine called a nebulizer, which turns the medication into a mist that can be inhaled deep into your lungs. Oral corticosteroids . Taken in pill form, these medications help reduce lung inflammation and get your asthma symptoms under control.

How to help asthma attack?

If your asthma attack is life-threatening, your doctor may put a breathing tube down your throat into your upper airway. Using a machine that pumps oxygen into your lungs will help you breathe while your doctor gives you medications to bring your asthma under control.

What is the measurement of air in a spirometry test?

A common spirometry measurement is forced expiratory volume, which measures how much air you can breathe out in one second. The results of this test are known as forced expiratory volume (FEV). Spirometry can also measure how much air your lungs can hold and the rate at which you can inhale and exhale.

What to do if you have asthma in the cold?

If your asthma flares up when you exercise in the cold, it may help to cover your face with a mask or scarf until you get warmed up.

What to do if asthma attacks are set off by outside triggers?

If your asthma attacks seem to be set off by outside triggers, your doctor can help you learn how to minimize your exposure to them . Allergy tests can help identify any allergic triggers.

How to keep asthma under control?

Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, and how much your asthma has been bothering you. Often, periodic changes in treatment are needed to keep asthma under control and to prevent asthma attacks. Be prepared to demonstrate using your metered-dose inhaler.

What to do if you feel breathless after asthma treatment?

If you continue to wheeze or feel breathless after treatment, visit your doctor or urgent care that day. If you're having symptoms of a severe asthma attack, such as difficulty speaking because you're so short of breath, use your quick-acting (rescue) medication and get to a doctor's office or urgent care immediately .

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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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