Asthma is a chronic condition in which breathing airways become inflamed in response to airborne allergens, medications, illness, activity or other irritants. Asthma is typically characterized by attacks that may cause coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most people with asthma use 2 types of treatments: a quick relief medicine for flare-ups and a controller for long-term, regular use. Additional treatments are available for those with allergy-induced asthma.
Quick Relief Medicines
Short-acting bronchodilators are considered "quick-relief" or rescue medications used to treat coughing wheezing or chest tightness associated with acute asthma flare-ups. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians' website FamilyDoctor.org, quick-relief medications help to dilate or open up the airways, making it easier to breathe. Commonly used bronchodilators include the short-acting beta-2 agonists albuterol, pirbuterol, levalbuterol and bitolterol, the anticholinergic drug atrovent, and the oral steroids prednisone or prednisolone.
Long-Term Controller Medications
Controller medications for asthma are safe for long-term daily use. Controller medications help keep inflammation of the lining of the airway under control to help prevent asthma attacks. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most commonly used long-term asthma medications are inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone, flunisolide, budesonide, beclomethasone and triamcinolone. Although these medications may take a few weeks to show effects, they have relatively few side effects, unlike corticosteroids taken in oral form. Considered a second-line treatment after inhaled corticosteroids, cromolyn and nedocromil help to decrease allergic reactions, thereby improving asthma symptoms.
Long-acting bronchodilators (long-acting beta-2 agonists) such as salmeterol are frequently used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids to treat persistent asthma. They should not be used to treat acute symptoms like their short-acting, quick-relief counterparts. Theophylline is commonly prescribed bronchodilator that, taken once daily in pill form, helps to relax the muscles around the airways. Molntelukast, zafirlukast and zileuton are leukotriene modifiers that help to reduce inflammation and decrease mucus production in the airways.
Allergy-Induced Asthma Treatments
Treatment of allergy-induced asthma involves decreasing the body's sensitivity and immune response to particular allergens. According to the Mayo Clinic, omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is a medication delivered by injection every 2 to 4 weeks to reduce immune hypersensitivity responses. Another treatment alternative is immunotherapy, which involves the administration of allergy-desensitization shots once per week for a few months and then once per month for 3 to 5 years. Over time, these shots gradually decrease the body's response to certain allergens.
