Effective Options For Asthma Treatment

Asthma causes the airways to swell, become narrower, and produce excess mucus. Asthma attacks can make it hard to breathe and cause wheezing, coughing, and overall shortness of breath. Some patients have only minor asthma, while others have asthma severe enough to impede daily activities. Asthma attacks can become life-threatening if they're severe. Though asthma isn't a curable condition, the symptoms are controllable through treatment, and asthma can change in presentation over the years. Children who had severe asthma may find their symptoms lessen in adulthood. Conversely, adults might discover their asthma gets worse over time. Individuals with asthma should track their symptoms and work alongside their doctor so they can adjust their treatment plan if necessary.

Speaking of treatment, take a look at the common options available now.

Long-Term Control Medications

The core component of most asthma treatment plans is long-term control medications, typically taken daily. Rather than providing relief during an asthma attack, the medications help reduce the long-term effects of asthma. They decrease the likelihood of having an asthma attack, and when attacks do occur, control medications can lessen their overall severity. Inhaled corticosteroids can be used daily. It may take a few days or weeks before the full benefit of the medication is achieved. Inhaled corticosteroids are safe to use long-term, though oral ones are not. Leukotriene modifiers are oral medications that might be prescribed to relieve symptoms of asthma for a maximum of twenty-four hours. Long-acting beta-agonists are medications that can open constricted airways when inhaled, but since they may increase attack risk, they should be combined with an inhaled corticosteroid. To get both medications at once, combination inhalers provide both an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist. Another option is theophylline, a daily pill that relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways to help keep them open.

Learn about more treatments available for asthma now.

Inhalers For Quick Relief

Even with a long-term treatment plan to reduce overall symptoms, patients may still experience asthma flareups. Allergens like dust, dry and cold air, pollutants, and chemicals can all lead to an increase in symptoms. Many doctors will prescribe inhalers for quick relief. These inhalers provide fast-acting and short-term symptom alleviation. In addition to relief from flareups, doctors might recommend using an inhaler before exercising depending on the patient's history. Short-acting beta-agonists are bronchodilators that provide quick relief when inhaled. Patients can take short-acting beta-agonists through a hand-held inhaler or a nebulizer, which converts the medication into an easily-inhaled mist. Another bronchodilator that may be used is ipratropium. This medication is chiefly used for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but it can sometimes be prescribed for asthma attacks as well. It's important to note patients shouldn't be relying on their inhaler, so if they find themselves using it often, they should talk to their doctor to adjust their long-term treatment plan.

Continue reading to uncover more ways to treat asthma now.