Asthma medications

People with asthma are usually prescribed medicine to help them to control their symptoms. It is important that you understand how to take the medication that is prescribed to you and follow the instructions given to you from you doctor. The asthma medicine that you are prescribed and how it is to be used will differ from patient to patient. By discussing your symptoms with your doctor and working together to get the right treatment and dose of treatment, it is possible for some people with asthma to lead a life unrestricted by asthma symptoms.

Asthma medicines are usually delivered by inhaler devices that deliver the medication straight to the airways, although sometimes tablets may be prescribed. It is important that you use your inhaler correctly to ensure that you are getting maximum benefit from your medication. Ask your doctor or asthma nurse to make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly at your next check-up.

Asthma medications fall into two categories; they either prevent the symptoms of asthma (preventers) or relieve the symptoms of asthma (relievers or controllers). While some patients only need relief from occasional symptoms, others need to take their preventer medication every day to improve lung function and prevent attacks.

Relievers

Relievers, or rescue medications (short-acting beta2agonists) are used to provide rapid relief during an asthma attack. They work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways, making it easier to breathe again. Reliever medication is used for people who suffer from asthma symptoms less than 3-4 times a week as they work in the short term to relax the airways. People with more severe asthma often use a reliever medication in addition to a preventer medication.

Preventers

Preventers help to guard against asthma symptoms. People who have been prescribed a preventer medication should take it every day as the effect of the treatment increases over time and improves the chances of controlling asthma in the long term. Even if you are having no asthma symptoms, you should not forget to take your preventer treatment.

There are several different types of preventer treatment:

• Inhaled corticosteroids - are similar to steroids that are produced naturally in our bodies and are used to treat the underlying inflammation of the airways that is always present in people with asthma.
• Long acting beta2-agonists - Beta2-agonists are bronchodilators, which work by relaxing and widening the airways. Long-acting beta2-agonists can keep the airways open for 12 hours or longer and are usually used in combination with other drugs such as inhaled corticosteroids.
• Combined therapies - deliver two types of drug in a single inhaler. The most common combination is an inhaled corticosteroid to address inflammation in the airways and long-acting beta2-agonists to address bronchoconstriction. Research has shown that taking the two types of drug in one inhaler increases their effectiveness.
• Anticholinergic drugs - can provide a modest improvement in lung function, and may be prescribed when high-dose inhaled steroids combined with beta2-agonists fail to control symptoms.
• Leukotriene receptor - antagonists are often used in Europe as an add-on treatment for more severe asthma, they help to keep bronchial airways open, making breathing easier and reducing frequency and severity of symptoms.
• Theophylline is a bronchodilator which relaxes muscles around the airway, allowing air to travel more freely in and out of the lungs. It is sometimes used to prevent the symptoms of asthma, especially during the night.