Medical Treatment of Asthma
Even if you strictly avoid all known triggers, you can still experience a flare of asthma. When coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath occur, treatment with medications will most effectively bring asthmatic symptoms under control. If you experience mild or occasional asthmatic symptoms, you may need medications infrequently. If you are severely affected, you may need medications on a daily basis to remain functional. Some people avoid asthma medications for fear of potential side effects. However untreated asthma often becomes chronic, can be disabling and may evolve into a severe episode requiring hospitalization. On rare occasions, poorly managed asthma results in death. Such extreme consequences are avoidable in the vast majority of cases. Therefore the benefits of asthma control far outweigh the potential risks of medication side effects.
All of the medications described here must be prescribed by a physician. Learning about these medications will enable you to intelligently participate in your own care while under medical supervision.
Asthma Medications and Side Effects
While taking medication, you may develop new symptoms which may or may not be related to one of your medications.
Reliever vs. Controller Medications
Asthma educators divide asthma medications into two broad categories based on how they work: reliever medications and controller medications.
Medication Types
Inform yourself with detailed descriptions of nine major types of asthma medications.
Methylxanthines (Theophyllines)
Sympathomimetic Medications
ß2-Agonists
Cromolyn Sodium
Nedocromil Sodium
Leukotriene Modifiers
Corticosteroids
Other Corticosteroid Sparing or Anti-inflammatory Agents
Anticholinergic Medications
Immunological Treatments for Asthma
When allergy plays an important role in provoking asthma symptoms, you might consider other options in addition to traditional pharmaceutical medications.
Medical treatment described is only recommended as an educational aid and is not intended as a substitute for receiving care from a physician. Speak to your physician before making any changes in your treatment.
