Asthma treatment can vary from anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator asthma inhalers to oral medications to asthma drugs delivered in an asthma nebulizer or breathing machine. Get a better understanding of how asthma medications work so you will know which medications can prevent asthma symptoms. Also, learn about natural asthma remedies and ways to monitor your breathing at home.

• Asthma Treatments - Working together, you and your asthma specialist can design a systematic plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks. 

• Asthma Medications - Asthma medication can work quickly to stop coughing and wheezing.  You will need to work closely with your doctor to determine which asthma medication or combination of asthma medications works best for you. Your age, your symptoms and possible side effects all play a role in choosing the dose and type of asthma medications you need. Asthma medications are different in dose and type for children, women who are pregnant, and for people who have certain health problems or who take certain other medications. Asthma symptoms often change over time. This means you will need to monitor your asthma carefully and work with your doctor to adjust your asthma medications as needed.

• Asthma Inhalers - These treatments are used to help asthma.  Many people asthma improve with the usage of inhalers. Studies show that the device you use really does not matter, as long as it is used properly. All methods work just as well when the correct technique is used.  There are pros and cons to each type of device. Inhalers are smaller and require no power source. Because they deliver the medicine much more quickly than a nebulizer does, some parents may prefer them.

• Steroids and Other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - The most significant treatments for most people with asthma are steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Not only do steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs help people gain better asthma control, but also these asthma drugs help to prevent asthma attacks.Steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways of a person with asthma. As a result, the airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to asthma triggers, allowing people with symptoms of asthma to have better control over their condition.

• Bronchodilators: Airway Openers - Almost all people with asthma use one type of medication: a bronchodilator. Short-acting bronchodilators are used only as needed as asthma “rescue” medications, while long-acting bronchodilators are used every day to control asthma. Bronchodilators open up the bronchial tubes so that more air can move through. Bronchodilators as well help clear mucus from the lungs. As the airways open, the mucus moves more freely and can be coughed out more easily.

• Asthma Nebulizer (Breathing Machine) - Home nebulizer therapy is particularly effective in delivering asthma medications to infants and small children and to anyone who is unable to use asthma inhalers with spacers.  The asthma nebulizer changes asthma medication from a liquid to a mist, so that it can be inhaled easily into the lungs. Studies show that the device your child uses really does not matter, as long as it is used properly. All methods work just as well when the correct technique is used.

• Prednisone and Asthma: Stopping an Asthma Attack - Sometimes stronger asthma medications are necessary to decrease symptoms.  Steroids (anti-inflammatory medications) such as prednisone can be used for asthma as well as other lung diseases. Prednisone and other steroids (inhaled, oral, injection) help calm airway inflammation in asthma. If you have ever had a serious asthma attack; you may have had high doses of steroids in the hospital administered intravenously.  When prednisone or other steroid medication is used in a severe asthma attack, no doubt the benefits of steroids prevail over the risks.

Treatment for Asthma