How is Asthma Managed?
Most people with asthma live normal, active lives. At this time there is no cure for asthma, but by partnering with a healthcare provider the disease can be successfully managed to minimize symptoms. A healthcare provider can help identify the triggers which produce asthma symptoms, prescribe potential medications to manage the disease, and develop an "Asthma Action Plan."
Medications
Medications for asthma can be divided into two categories: fast acting medications to treat acute symptoms (attacks), and long term control medications to prevent future symptoms.
Fast acting medications include Albuterol, Levalbuterol, and Atrovent which come in the form of an inhaled medication.
Long term control medications include Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort which are also inhaled,Omalizumab which is an injection given twice a month, and Singulair which is medication in tablet form.
The following video demonstrates how common asthma medications are administered:
Fast acting medications include Albuterol, Levalbuterol, and Atrovent which come in the form of an inhaled medication.
Long term control medications include Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort which are also inhaled,Omalizumab which is an injection given twice a month, and Singulair which is medication in tablet form.
The following video demonstrates how common asthma medications are administered:
Asthma medications can have side effects and should be discussed with a healthcare provider before administration.
Asthma Action Plan
Health care providers recommend that all people with asthma should have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is a written plan that doctors create with their patients to help them control their asthma.
The asthma action plan shows your daily treatment, such as what kind of medicines to take and when to take them. The plan describes how to control asthma long term AND how to handle worsening asthma, or attacks. The plan explains when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room.
While asthma attacks can be deadly, by eliminating potential triggers, and being diligent about treatments, people with asthma can expect to live just as long as those without the disease.
The asthma action plan shows your daily treatment, such as what kind of medicines to take and when to take them. The plan describes how to control asthma long term AND how to handle worsening asthma, or attacks. The plan explains when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room.
While asthma attacks can be deadly, by eliminating potential triggers, and being diligent about treatments, people with asthma can expect to live just as long as those without the disease.
If left untreated....
Asthma can lead to decreased ability to exercise and take part in other activities, lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms, acid reflux disease, permanent changes in the function of the lungs, persistent cough, trouble breathing that requires breathing assistance from a ventilator, or even death!