Asthma medication programs need to provide both quick relief in the event of an attack, and control for longer term symptoms

The two main types of asthma medication are known as relievers and preventers. The relievers provide immediate but short-term relief while the preventers are targeted towards controlling asthma symptoms in the longer term.

Relievers

Relievers (also called rescue medicines) are normally inhaled through a bronchodilator or turbohaler and work by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchiole airways. They are used only as needed – which essentially means whenever the first signs of an asthma attack appear (cough, wheezing, chest tightness) and as required until the attack is over.

This medication should also be taken at the first sign of any cold as most viruses will affect an asthmatic’s respiratory system. By keeping the bronchiole muscles relaxed and the airways opened early, it is often possible to avoid a full-fledged asthma episode.

Albuterol (common brand name Ventolin) is probably the most common bronchodilator reliever but there are others. Each of them is designed to assist opening up of the airways quickly and ease breathing. However, the relief they provide does not last long. Nor do they address any bronchiole inflammation or mucus build up.

Any asthmatic should always have a relief medication close at hand in case of a sudden attack.

(There are some relievers that also target inflammation however these are normally only prescribed in severe cases. The most common are steroids such as prednisone. These should only be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor.)

Preventers

Preventers, or Long-Term Control Medicines, usually target the inflammation of the bronchiole lining (although some work to relax the bronchiole muscles on a longer term basis than the classic relief meds) and are taken every day to control chronic asthma symptoms.

The most effective preventers are actually steroids (although not the anabolic kind athletes “dope” on) very similar to hydrocortisone, a steroid produced by the adrenaline gland. This medication works slowly, assisting the bronchiole lining to reduce inflammation and become more stable. As a result, chronic asthma becomes less severe and the likelihood of developing an attack is lowered.

These medicines have no immediate effect but after a few weeks they start to have an influence. Asthmatics with persistent and chronic symptoms need long-term control medicines.

Of course, asthma is different for each individual and a treatment that works well for one, might not be as effective on another. But luckily, there are a variety of medications available for prescription. Some of the long-term preventers include :

·        Inhaled corticosteroids (or steroids for short). Preferred treatment for dealing with persistent asthma.  These medications target the inflammation of the bronchiole airways and are totally safe when taken as directed by a doctor.  These are normally administered orally with an inhaler, however can also be taken in pill or liquid form.

·        Long-acting beta-agonists . These medicines are classified as preventers but are really somewhat in between the classic reliever and preventer definition. Beta-agonists are a bronchodilator (associated with relievers) however their effects are medium term. It is not an anti-inflammatory drug but targets the bronchiole muscles.

The best way to think of this medicine is as a “super bronchodilator”. These asthma meds are used to help control moderate and severe asthmas and in particular, ease night-time symptoms (they last longer than a ventolin). Beta-agonists are normally taken together with inhaled steroid medicines.

·        Leukotriene modifiers (such as montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton) are long-term control medicines used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with corticosteroids to treat moderate or severe persistent asthma.

·        Theophylline is a long-term control medication used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with steroids to handle moderate persistent asthma.  Asthmatics on theophylline should have their blood levels checked to be sure the dose is appropriate.

Administering Asthma medication

The best way to administer these medications is directly into the lungs by inhaling them. This means smaller dosages are required (because they are going right to the area they are required), side effects are reduced and the meds will get to work much more quickly.

In some cases however, it may be more appropriate to take some of these asthma meds in pill or liquid form. Your caregiver should provide a full explanation if this is the case.

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