Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed in response to exposure to certain molecules or triggers. This inflammation causes swelling of the airways, which can make breathing difficult. A variety of treatment plans are available for asthma depending on the severity of the asthma and the type of control that the patient desires.
Short-Term Relief
Patients with mild asthma may only need short-term treatment for acute asthma attacks. Acute asthma episodes are marked by a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, often in response to a trigger such as smoke, dust, or pollen. One of the most common treatments for short-term asthma relief is a "rescue" inhaler. Rescue inhalers, the MayoClinic.com explains, usually use quick acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, pirbuterol or levalbuterol. These medications begin to have an effect within minutes and can last for several hours, helping relieve the symptoms of an acute flareup. Patients can also use an inhaled medication called ipratropium for short-term relief of asthma symptoms. In severe cases, oral or intravenous corticosteroids can be administered to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways; corticosteroids are potent inhibitors of inflammation, but they must be used with care because they can cause some severe side effects.
Long-Term Control
Patients with bothersome symptoms on a regular basis or who have frequent asthma attacks may need to use medications designed for long-term relief. Usually, the most effective medication for long-term asthma control is inhaled corticosteroids, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. Inhaled corticosteroids need to be used daily for optimal effectiveness. Because these corticosteroids are inhaled, they act directly on the airway. Other medications that can be used for long-term control include cromolyn, theophylline and leukotriene modifiers. All of these medications work by inhibiting inflammation in the airways, which helps to relieve asthma symptoms. Patients can also use inhaled long-acting bronchodilators to keep their airways open. Patients utilizing these medications often need to also keep rescue inhalers in the event of an acute asthma attack.
Anti-IgE Treatment
The inflammation that asthma and allergic reactions generate is mediated by a type of protein called an IgE antibody. Anti-IgE treatment can be given to treat patients who have severe asthma and are already taking inhaled corticosteroids as part of their treatment plan, National Jewish Health explains. Anti-IgE treatment consists of a series of injections with a protein called omalizumab, which binds to the IgE antibodies and deactivates them, which keeps them from triggering an asthma attack. This is a treatment plan for long-term control of asthma and is not designed to work in the short term.
