Asthma Traditional Treatment

Asthma Treatments

There is no cure for asthma but there a variety of medications and lifestyle changes that can help to control the symptoms and prevent the progression of attacks. The standard treatment involves taking one or more asthma medications as well as avoiding the trigger allergens and irritants.

The medications used to treat asthma are long-term control medications and short-term control medications which are used to provide immediate relief during a flare-up. Inhalers are some of the most common forms of medications used to treat asthma. Their objective is to reduce inflammation and open up the airways. Depending upon the specific type of inhaled medication being taken, the effects can be immediate. Some inhalers are used only for short-term treatment while others must be used daily in order to be effective over time. Medications in the pill form work to relax the muscles in the airways and open them up.

Below is a breakdown of the most common asthma medications:

Long-term inhaled corticosteroids: These inhalers reduce inflammation in the airways while not producing the negative effects associated with long-term steroid use. Flovent (fluticasone) and Pulmicort (budesonide) are two of the most common long-term inhalers.

Short-term treatments: Used only in response to an attack, quick-relieving bronchodilators quickly open up the airways and relax muscles immediately making breathing easier.

Allergy-desensitization injections: When given consistently over a period of time, these injections reduce the reaction to certain allergens.

Since there are many different kinds of asthma treatments available and treatments may need to be frequently adjusted in order to maintain their effectiveness, treatment plans must be closely monitored by your medical doctor.