Asthma medications: What to know and how to use them
If you have asthma, knowing which medications do what saves attacks and worry. Asthma drugs fall into two groups: relievers for fast relief and controllers that prevent symptoms. Relievers (short-acting bronchodilators) open airways quickly during an attack. Controllers (inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers) reduce inflammation and lower the chance of future attacks.
Quick-relief inhalers are the go-to when you wheeze or feel tight. They act within minutes and usually last four to six hours. Carry one, know how many puffs to take, and replace it before it expires. Overusing relievers can hide worsening control, so track how often you need them.
Controllers are for daily use even when you feel fine. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common controller and work well to stop flare-ups. Long-acting bronchodilators pair with steroids for more persistent symptoms. Leukotriene receptor antagonists offer an oral option for some people, especially kids.
For severe or sudden flares, doctors may prescribe short courses of oral steroids. Biologic drugs target specific immune pathways and help people with severe, allergic, or eosinophilic asthma. These injections can cut down attacks for those who don't respond to standard therapy.
Proper inhaler technique matters more than brand. Use a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler if you struggle with coordination. Rinse your mouth after steroid inhalers to avoid thrush. Ask your clinician to watch your technique every few months.
Side effects differ by drug class. Relievers may cause jitteriness or a fast heartbeat. Inhaled steroids can slightly affect growth in children at high doses and may raise risk of oral thrush. Biologics can cause injection-site reactions and rarely allergic reactions. Talk openly about side effects so your plan fits your life.
Check interactions and other conditions before starting a medicine. Some blood pressure drugs and antifungals affect certain asthma drugs. If you're pregnant, most inhaled steroids and relievers are considered safer than uncontrolled asthma.
Build an asthma action plan with your clinician. That plan should name daily medicines, rescue steps, when to call the clinic, and when to go to the ER. Keep a written plan at home and a copy on your phone.
Storage and refills matter. Store inhalers at room temperature away from heat. Track doses if your inhaler has no counter. Refill before you run out to avoid gaps in control.
When to seek urgent care
If you struggle to speak, feel dizzy, or your lips turn blue, call emergency services now. Increased breathing rate, chest tightness that does not improve after rescue inhaler, or too many reliever puffs in 24 hours also mean urgent review.
Practical tips
Keep an asthma diary, note triggers and peak flow readings, share updates at appointments, and review medications annually or sooner if symptoms change promptly.
If symptoms get worse despite following your plan, ask for a review. Tests like spirometry, FeNO, or blood eosinophils help tailor therapy. With the right meds, technique, and monitoring, most people can live with few or no symptoms.
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