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o le What is asthma?
inflammation in your airways that leads to symptoms. Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., Flovent, Pulmiocort, Q-var) ell t (bronchioles) of the lungs to swell and narrow. Increased mucus
are the primary component of long-term control, either as production and inflammation of the lining of the airway reduces separate medications or in combination with long-acting e w the amount of air that can pass by leading to an asthma “attack”
bronchodilators. These steroids are generally prescribed for daily use to keep asthma under control on a day-to-day basis and make it less likely an asthma episode will occur. Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRA) (e.g., Singulair) People with asthma have sensitive airways that react to certain can be prescribed in addition to inhaled corticosteroids triggers causing wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, to help prevent asthma symptoms by blocking a reaction and/or coughing. Triggers vary by individual, but typically before it starts. This helps to boost the effect of the Exercise (though not a trigger you should completely avoid) Combination medications contain both an inhaled long- Viral infections (colds, bronchitis, pneumonia) acting bronchodilator (LABA) and corticosteroid (e.g., Symbicort, Advair). This treatment encourages widening of airways while reducing and preventing inflammation at Allergens (such as cats, dogs, mites, roaches, mice, mold, the same time. This combination approach is used when a person’s asthma has not been adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and albuterol.
Oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone) reduce the swelling in the airways and may be used during Your asthma may change over time. If you experience symptoms and require quick-relief medicine more than two Though asthma can’t be cured, symptoms can be controlled. days each week, or if your symptoms are interfering with Your health care providers can work with you to develop a normal daily activity, your asthma is NOT under control. Meet treatment plan to help control your symptoms. When your with your health care provider as often as needed to discuss your symptoms and treatment adjustments. Sleep through the night without a cough or wheeze Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Go to a hospital’s emergency room or call 911 immediately if you
experience any of the following signs:
Bluish color to the lips, tongue, or tips of fingers Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or Treatment plans are customized to the individual, and typically include one or more medications. The right medications for you depend on a number of things, including your age, symptoms, asthma triggers, and what seems to work best to Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath keep your asthma under control. The major types of asthma Quick-relief “rescue” inhalers, such as albuterol (e.g., Ventolin, Proventil) are bronchodilators that act to quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing. They are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma episode (or before exercise if recommended by One Minute Asthma (www.pedipress.com/book_oma.html) Have questions about asthma? Call your primary care provider. Long-term “controller” medications reduce the Students: call Gannett at 607 255-5155.

Source: http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/cms/pdf/upload/Asthma.pdf