Asthma is an upper respiratory disorder. There is no cure for asthma but its symptoms can be treated. During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes and airway swell and become irritated. Excessive amounts of mucus may be produced and breathing becomes difficult and may be painful. Shortness of breath and wheezing are also common symptoms.
Long-term Treatments
Long-term treatments usually come in the form of medications that need to be taken every day. These medications are used to control attacks and limit their severity. Pulmicort and Flovent are corticosteroids that are inhaled through a breathing machine. These medications may take several days to a few weeks before they reach effective levels. Medications such as Singulair and theophyline come in tablet form and need to be taken daily to be effective.
Fast-acting Treatments
Portable inhalers are an effective fast acting medication. Proventil and Maxair offer quick relief and provide hours of relief. Atrovent may also be prescribed for fast relief. According to the Mayo Clinic, these treatments are also thought of as "rescue" medications because they are in the form of a small inhaler that can be utilized quickly. Many physicians recommend the use of inhalers before exercising to ensure that an asthma attack is not triggered by the extra activity.
Treatments for Acute Asthma Attacks
Oral and intravenous corticosteroids may be used to treat severe asthma attacks. Prednisone and methylprednisone can be given to open airways and relieve inflammation that can make breathing difficult. These medications can cause serious side effects and are not meant to be used for long-term treatment. Medications containing prednisone or cortisone should only be used under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Alternative Therapies
According to the Cleveland Clinic, therapies such as biofeedback and yoga may be helpful in relieving stress. High levels of stress and panic attacks are common triggers of asthma attacks. There is no scientific evidence to support the yoga theory, but research is being performed concerning biofeedback. Relaxation and breathing techniques may also be used to relieve stress, anxiety and fear. The duration and severity of an asthma attack may lessen if the patient remains calm and relaxed.
Prevention
Removing or limiting the exposure to known triggers may prevent or lessen the severity of an asthma attack. Staying calm and breathing as normally as possible when an attack starts may help to keep the attack under control until an inhaler can be used or medical treatment can be located. Know the triggers that are responsible for an attack. Allergy-induced asthma can be caused by a variety of allergens, including pet dander, pollen and certain foods. A person should know what their specific allergy triggers are and avoid them if at all possible.
