Treatment FAQ

what is treatment of asthma

by Miss Alyson Sanford DDS Published 2 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?

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.

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.

Which tablet is good for asthma?

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

What are the 3 types of asthma?

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

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 is the main cause of asthma?

Asthma triggers Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste. Respiratory infections, such as the common cold. Physical activity.

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.

How can I stop asthma at night?

In addition to taking asthma medications as prescribed, here are seven steps you can take to lower your chances of having a nighttime asthma attack:Clean your bedroom regularly. ... Wash your bedding in hot water weekly. ... Invest in dust-proof mattress and pillow protectors. ... Invest in a humidifier. ... Don't sleep with pets.More items...•

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 prevent asthma attacks?

Following your plan will help you avoid asthma attacks and minimize the disruptions caused by asthma symptoms. Meet with your doctor regularly to review your treatment.

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 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.

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.

What is the procedure to reduce smooth muscle in the 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.

What is the best long term control medicine?

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term control medicines. These aren’t the same as anabolic steroids that people use to grow muscle. They include beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler), ciclesonide (Alvesco), fluticasone (Flovent HFA), and mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler).

Can you take bronchodilators for asthma?

Never use long-acting bronchodilators alone as a long-term asthma treatment. 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 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.

How long does asthma stay open?

They act quickly and should be taken at the first sign of symptoms. They keep the airways open for four to six hours.

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 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.

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 medicine for asthma?

Oral corticosteroids reduce inflammation. These drugs may be used short-term at the start of an asthma attack or after an attack. Common names of oral steroids include methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone. 1

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 ...

What is a long acting beta agonist?

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) relax the muscles that surround the airways. LABAs are used together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat people with moderate to severe asthma. LABAs reduce asthma symptoms, asthma attacks, and rescue medication use. 1

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.

Do steroids help with 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.

Can LTRAs be used for asthma?

These are pills taken by mouth. 1,2. LTRAs can be used instead of inhaled steroids for people with mild to moderate asthma (Step 2). Leukotriene modifiers can also be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids for moderate asthma (Steps 3 and 4).

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.

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 prevent asthma attacks?

Control medications are taken long-term to prevent sudden asthma attacks. Rescue medications relieve symptoms fast when an asthma attack comes on suddenly. Most people with asthma use both types of drugs. 1. There are hundreds of different asthma prescription drugs. The ones your doctor recommends will be based on your: 1.

Why do asthma control pills need to be taken?

Asthma control medicines must be taken regularly to reduce inflammation and make the airways less reactive. Also, control drugs do not work quickly enough to help during an attack. You will need a rescue inhaler to open your airways quickly if you have an asthma attack. 1.

What is the purpose of rescue inhalers?

Rescue inhalers for asthma attacks. Rescue medicines do just what the name says: Work quickly enough to rescue you during an asthma attack. These drugs should be used for short periods of time for symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and cough.

How long do rescue inhalers last?

Used early, this can help keep an asthma attack from getting worse. These drugs begin to work in minutes, and the effects last for 4 to 6 hours.

How do asthma control drugs work?

Asthma control drugs may work in several different ways to prevent asthma attacks. Some reduce inflammation in the airways. Others help open the airways. Others help control allergies. Some people need more than 1 drug to control their asthma. Examples of asthma control medicines include: 1

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Allergy control drugs help reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens. Allergens are things in the environment that trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness, teary eyes, coughing, and more.

What is the best inhaler for asthma?

Here are some of the most common names of inhalers used by people with asthma: 1-3. Advair (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Aerospan (flunisolide) Airduo (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Alupent (metaprotereol sulfate) Alvesco (ciclesonide) Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)

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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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