1. Anti-inflammatory Drugs Are Long Acting
Anti-inflammatory drugs are the main weapons in the fight against asthma. These drugs work to keep your airway open so you can breath freely. Anti-inflammatories are usually taken everyday. They come in many different forms, including sprays, pills, liquids and injections. They keep you breathing easy by reducing swelling in your airway and lowering the amount of mucous you produce. Corticosteroids are also used to control asthma, but should not be confused with the steroids (anabolic steroids) that have caused sport scandals. Inhaled corticosteroids are a very effective asthma treatment and the risk of serious side effects is fairly low.
2. Bronchodilators Offer Quick Relief
Sometimes you need quick relief. Dust, allergies or exercise can bring on an asthma attack that leaves you gasping for air. Bronchodilators are made to quickly open up your airways so you can breath again. Bronchodilators deliver their medication as a spray that is inhaled into the lungs. Each spray is controlled to deliver an exact dose of medication. The medication works by immediately relaxing the muscles that are tightened around your airway. This lets air flow easily in and out of your lungs. As your airway relaxes, it's also easier for you to cough out any mucous that is blocking your airway.
3. Allergy Shots Might Help
If you have asthma and allergies you should talk to your doctor about allergy shots. This is especially true if your asthma is easily triggered by things you're allergic to, or if your asthma is always much worse during the time of year your allergies act up. Though not all doctors agree on allergy shots, some people have found great relief through using them. There's also an injectable asthma drug on the market designed to treat people with both asthma and allergies.
4. Watch for Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Asthma drugs are powerful, and you may experience side effects. Common side effects include dry mouth, coughing, hoarseness and sore throat. Other side effects, which may be more serious, include a rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, headache, nervousness and dizziness. It's important to pay attention to side effects and talk to your doctor about them. New side effects might mean your dose is too high and needs to be lowered, or your doctor might switch you to another medication. Also, tell your doctor what other medications you take. Some drugs block the effectiveness of asthma medications, so you might not get the help you need.
5. Over-the-Counter Asthma Treatments
There are over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat asthma. But, be sure to read the label. The words you're looking for are "For temporary relief." You'll find these words on all over-the-counter asthma medications and you should pay close attention to them. OTC medications are designed to give short-term (20 to 30 minute) relief from asthma symptoms. These OTC treatments aren't meant to be used long-term. So, see your doctor to manage your asthma over the long haul.
