Medications


		treatments

			definition of asthma
			causes
			symptoms
			medications
			glossary
			expert Q & A

Long-term controller medications (also called "maintenance medications") help prevent asthma symptoms from occurring in the first place. Taken regularly, these medications work by reducing constriction (narrowing of the airways in the lungs) or the inflammation (underlying swelling and irritation in the airways of your lungs). Many people need to treat the inflammation and constriction for optimal asthma control. Inhaled corticosteroids (also called anti-inflammatory medications) are used to treat asthma because they help reduce the inflammation in the airways.

Reducing inflammation helps to:

Improve lung function
Prevent asthma symptoms
Reduce the need for a fast-acting inhaler

Inhaled corticosteroids go directly to the airways of the lungs to help reduce the swelling and irritation (inflammation). Because they go right where they are needed, there is less risk of the side effects you may have with oral steroids such as prednisone.

Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil are mild to moderate anti-inflammatory medications. These inhaled controller medications are generally used in children.

Long-acting bronchodilators are often used alongside anti-inflammatory medications in the treatment of asthma. Long-acting bronchodilators help keep the airways open by relaxing the airway muscles. They help to:

Improve lung function
Prevent asthma symptoms
Reduce the need for a fast-acting inhaler

Leukotriene modifiers help prevent constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways. Fast-acting inhaled medications, like albuterol, help relieve sudden asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. They work quickly to open the airways by relaxing the airway muscles. However, they do not provide long-term control of your asthma. Always carry your fast-acting inhaler with you. If you need to use your fast-acting inhaler more than 2 times each week, talk to your healthcare professional.

Oral steroids are generally used only to help treat severe asthma attacks.