Unfortunately there is no cure for asthma. If your symptoms are increasing, it could be due to the fact that you are getting older or your current treatment plan needs to be revised.
The treatment approach to asthma is four-fold:
Regular assessment and monitoring
Control of contributing factors (eg, gastroesophageal reflux and sinusitis ), avoidance of allergens or irritants
Patient education *³
Medications
Often, you'll need to take more than one type of medication.
Asthma Medications
Medications Used to Control Asthma
These medications are used to control the condition and avoid asthma attacks, not to treat an acute attack:
Inhaled corticosteroid—used daily to reduce inflammation in your airways
Long-acting beta agonists—(eg, inhaled salmeterol ) used daily to prevent asthma attacks; should not be taken without an inhaled corticosteroid
May increase the risk of asthma-related death, intubation (putting a tube in the windpipe to breath), and hospitalization—If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor. *²
Cromolyn sodium or nedocromil sodium inhaler—used daily to prevent asthma flare-ups or to prevent exercise-induced symptoms
Zafirlukast , zileuton , and montelukast —taken daily to help prevent asthma attacks
Omalizumab (Xolair)—a monoclonal antibody against immunoglobulin E (IgE), given as an injection under the skin, used along with other medications
Theophylline —taken daily to help prevent asthma attacks, not as commonly used because of interactions with other drugs
Medications Used to Treat an Asthma Attack
These medications are used to treat an asthma attack:
Quick-acting beta agonists—(eg, inhaled albuterol , xopenex ) relax your airways so that they become wider again, may also be used to avoid exercise-induced asthma attacks
Anticholinergic agents—inhaled medications, such as ipratropium , that function as a bronchodilator, typically only used in an emergency setting
Corticosteroids—pills, injections, or intravenous (IV) medications given to treat acute flare-up of symptoms
Pills may be taken for a longer period of time if you have severe asthma that isn't responding to other treatments.
Epinephrine —a shot given to stop an asthma attack
Anon, please let your doctor know that your asthma symptoms have gotten worse. He/she can work with your to see what can be done to improve things.
Best,
Susan
Comment Reply
Hello Anon
Thank you for writing.
Unfortunately there is no cure for asthma. If your symptoms are increasing, it could be due to the fact that you are getting older or your current treatment plan needs to be revised.
The treatment approach to asthma is four-fold:
Regular assessment and monitoring
Control of contributing factors (eg, gastroesophageal reflux and sinusitis ), avoidance of allergens or irritants
Patient education *³
Medications
Often, you'll need to take more than one type of medication.
Asthma Medications
Medications Used to Control Asthma
These medications are used to control the condition and avoid asthma attacks, not to treat an acute attack:
Inhaled corticosteroid—used daily to reduce inflammation in your airways
Long-acting beta agonists—(eg, inhaled salmeterol ) used daily to prevent asthma attacks; should not be taken without an inhaled corticosteroid
May increase the risk of asthma-related death, intubation (putting a tube in the windpipe to breath), and hospitalization—If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor. *²
Cromolyn sodium or nedocromil sodium inhaler—used daily to prevent asthma flare-ups or to prevent exercise-induced symptoms
Zafirlukast , zileuton , and montelukast —taken daily to help prevent asthma attacks
Omalizumab (Xolair)—a monoclonal antibody against immunoglobulin E (IgE), given as an injection under the skin, used along with other medications
Theophylline —taken daily to help prevent asthma attacks, not as commonly used because of interactions with other drugs
Medications Used to Treat an Asthma Attack
These medications are used to treat an asthma attack:
Quick-acting beta agonists—(eg, inhaled albuterol , xopenex ) relax your airways so that they become wider again, may also be used to avoid exercise-induced asthma attacks
Anticholinergic agents—inhaled medications, such as ipratropium , that function as a bronchodilator, typically only used in an emergency setting
Corticosteroids—pills, injections, or intravenous (IV) medications given to treat acute flare-up of symptoms
Pills may be taken for a longer period of time if you have severe asthma that isn't responding to other treatments.
Epinephrine —a shot given to stop an asthma attack
Anon, please let your doctor know that your asthma symptoms have gotten worse. He/she can work with your to see what can be done to improve things.
January 29, 2018 - 1:54pmBest,
Susan
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