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Asthama

Asthma Treatment and Action Plan:
Medicines, Management & Emergency Care

Asthma treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, reducing airway inflammation, preventing asthma attacks, and helping you maintain your normal daily activities. Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms, asthma severity, age, triggers, and how well your asthma responds to treatment.

An asthma action plan can help you understand which medicines to use, how to recognize worsening symptoms, and when to contact a healthcare professional or seek emergency care.

How Is Asthma Treated?

There is currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Asthma treatment may involve:

Your treatment plan may change over time depending on how well your asthma is controlled.

Medicines

Avoiding or Reducing Exposure to Known Triggers

Monitoring Symptoms

Monitoring Lung Function When Recommended

Following an Asthma Action Plan

Regular Communication With Your Healthcare Professional

Asthma Medicines

Asthma medicines generally fall into two broad categories: quick-relief medicines and long-term control medicines.

The medicine or combination of medicines you need depends on your individual situation. Always use asthma medicines according to your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Quick-Relief Medicines

Quick-relief medicines are used when asthma symptoms occur or during an asthma flare-up.

They work by helping relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier for air to move through the lungs.

Your healthcare professional can explain when and how to use your quick-relief medicine.

Long-Term Control Medicines

Long-term control medicines are taken regularly by some people to help prevent symptoms and reduce airway inflammation.

Depending on your asthma and treatment plan, your healthcare professional may recommend controller medicines such as inhaled corticosteroids or other medicines.

These medicines are intended to help control asthma over time rather than provide immediate relief during a sudden attack.

Inhalers and Other Delivery Devices

Many asthma medicines are delivered directly into the lungs using an inhaler.

Common delivery devices include:

Metered-Dose Inhalers

These inhalers deliver a measured amount of medicine when used correctly.

Dry Powder Inhalers

These devices deliver powdered medicine that is inhaled through the device.

Nebulizers

Nebulizers turn liquid medicine into a mist that can be breathed into the lungs.

Your healthcare professional can show you the correct technique for your specific device.

Using Your Asthma Medicines Correctly

Taking asthma medicine correctly is an important part of asthma management.

Ask your healthcare professional to review:

01

Which Medicine

Which medicine you should use

02

When to Use It

When you should use it

03

How Much to Use

How much to use

04

Use Your Inhaler Correctly

How to use your inhaler correctly

05

How Often to Use It

How often to use your medicine

06

When Symptoms Get Worse

What to do if your symptoms get worse

IMPORTANT

Do not change or stop prescribed asthma medicine without discussing it with your healthcare professional.

What Is an Asthma Action Plan?

An asthma action plan is a personalized written plan created with your healthcare professional.

It helps you understand how to manage your asthma every day and what steps to take when symptoms become worse.

Better Asthma Control Starts With a Plan

A personalized asthma action plan can help you recognize worsening symptoms and know what steps to take.

Talk with your healthcare professional about creating an asthma action plan

Quick Tips

01

Know Your Medicines

Understand which medicines are used for daily control and which are used for quick relief.

02

Know Your Triggers

Identify the things that make your asthma symptoms worse.

03

Follow Your Action Plan

Keep your personalized asthma action plan available and follow its instructions.

04

Check Your Inhaler Technique

Ask a healthcare professional to make sure you are using your inhaler correctly.

05

Monitor Your Symptoms

Pay attention to changes in breathing, coughing, wheezing, and activity levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can asthma be cured?

There is currently no cure for asthma, but appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and reduce asthma attacks.

What is an asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan is a personalized plan created with a healthcare professional that explains how to manage asthma and what to do when symptoms become worse.

What is the difference between quick-relief and long-term control medicine?

Quick-relief medicine is used to help relieve symptoms when they occur, while long-term control medicines are used regularly by some people to help prevent symptoms and control asthma.

Should I stop taking my asthma medicine when I feel better?

Do not stop or change prescribed asthma treatment without first discussing it with your healthcare professional.

Can people with asthma exercise?

Yes. Many people with asthma can be physically active when their condition is appropriately managed. Exercise can trigger symptoms in some people, so discuss exercise-related symptoms with your healthcare professional.

Key Takeaways

Asthma treatment is personalized and may include medicines, trigger management, symptom monitoring, and an asthma action plan. Understanding your medicines and recognizing changes in your symptoms can help you respond appropriately when asthma becomes worse. Work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop and regularly review a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on AllBMICalculator.com is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Asthma treatment should be determined with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change prescription medicines based solely on information found on this website. If you are experiencing severe breathing difficulty or another medical emergency, seek immediate medical care.