How to Treat Asthma: 5 Effective Asthma Treatments

Did you know that approximately 25 million Americans suffer from asthma?

This is equivalent to about 1 in 13 Americans, or about 7 percent of children and 8 percent of adults. Additionally, asthma is the leading chronic disease in children.

While there currently isn’t a cure for asthma, there are treatments available that can help you significantly reduce your symptoms. Read on to learn how to treat asthma.

Rescue Inhalers 

Rescue inhalers help asthma sufferers during an attack or significant flare-up. Also known as quick-relief inhalers, these medications relax the muscles that tighten the airways.

Some types of rescue inhalers include:

• Anticholinergics
• Oral corticosteroids
• Short-acting beta-agonists

It’s important to understand that rescue inhalers are only meant to provide temporary relief. If you find that you’re using your rescue inhalers more than twice per week, then you should speak to your doctor.

Preventative Long-Term Medications 

Preventative long-term medications prevent asthma attacks and treat symptoms. They help to reduce mucus and swelling in your airways so they’re less sensitive and less likely to react to triggers.

Some of the top preventative long-term asthma medications include:

• Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists
• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Combination inhaled medicines
• Biologics
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Long-acting bronchodilators
• Theophylline
• Cromolyn
• Corticosteroids
• Breo Ellipta 100mcg

You can speak to your doctor about which one of these medications best suits you.

Taking Asthma Medications 

In addition to having various asthma medication options, you also have various methods available for taking your asthma medications.

One of the most popular ways to take asthma medication is with an inhaler. You can choose from a metered-dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler. A metered-dose inhaler uses a small aerosol canister to push out small amounts of the medication through a plastic mouthpiece. A dry powder inhaler only releases the medication when you take a deep breath.

You can also use an asthma nebulizer, which changes the medication from a liquid to a mist, making the medication easier to get into your lungs.

Other Asthma Treatments 

In addition to the above medications, you can also try some lifestyle remedies to ease your asthma. You can try some breathing exercises, as well as some herbal and natural remedies.

You should also do what you can to avoid asthma triggers. Some of the biggest asthma triggers include:

• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Tobacco smoke
• Cockroaches
• Cold air
• Indoor mold

If your asthma is induced by allergies, you can also try immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is an allergy shot or drop that’s placed under your tongue to help you build up a tolerance to your allergy triggers.

Additionally, you can take Omalizumab (Xolair), a medication that targets proteins in your body that spike when you come in contact with something you’re allergic to.

How to Treat Asthma: Time to Act 

Now that you know how to treat asthma, it’s time to put these steps into action. First, we recommend setting up an appointment with an asthma specialist to figure out what treatment options are right for you.

Additionally, check back in with our blog for more tips on handling asthma symptoms!