Asthma treatment: what actually helps you breathe easier
Asthma treatment aims to stop symptoms now and prevent attacks later. You need two things: fast relief for sudden breathlessness and regular treatment to keep inflammation down. This guide gives simple, practical steps you can use today.
Quick medicines guide
Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA) like albuterol are your rescue inhalers. Use one when you have wheeze, tight chest, or shortness of breath. If you use rescue inhaler more than twice a week for symptoms, tell your doctor.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the main controller drugs. Examples include budesonide and fluticasone. They lower airway inflammation and cut attacks. Take them every day as prescribed — even when you feel fine.
Long-acting bronchodilators (LABA) such as formoterol or salmeterol are often combined with ICS for better control. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) help some people, especially those with allergies or nasal symptoms.
For severe asthma, biologics (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab) can reduce flare-ups for people with specific allergic or eosinophilic types. These are prescription-only and need specialist assessment.
Short courses of oral steroids treat bad exacerbations but have side effects when overused (weight gain, bone risk, higher blood sugar). Aim to avoid repeated courses by optimizing daily control.
Daily habits and what to do in an attack
Practice inhaler technique. For MDIs (metered dose inhalers): shake, breathe out, seal lips, press and inhale slowly, then hold breath 5–10 seconds. For dry powder inhalers breathe in fast and deep. Use a spacer if you struggle — it makes inhalers work better.
Rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers to prevent thrush and hoarseness. Keep a symptom diary or use an app. Track symptoms, night wakings, and rescue inhaler use — this helps your doctor adjust treatment.
A simple action plan saves lives. Green zone = no symptoms, follow regular meds. Yellow = more symptoms or extra rescue doses — start extra reliever steps and call your clinic. Red = severe symptoms, blue lips, confusion, can't speak in full sentences, or peak flow below 50% of your personal best — get emergency care now.
Avoid triggers: smoke, strong fumes, pollen when high, cold air, and respiratory infections when possible. Get flu and COVID vaccines — infections often trigger attacks. If aspirin or NSAIDs make your breathing worse, tell your doctor.
Talk with your healthcare team about stepping down treatment when control is good and stepping up during worsening. Regular reviews, correct inhaler use, and an action plan give the best chance of steady breathing.
If you have persistent symptoms despite good technique and regular meds, ask for a specialist review. Newer treatments and tests can identify the right option for your type of asthma.
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