What Your Doctor Might Not Tell You About Managing Your Asthma Symptoms

Asthma is a chronic disease, sometimes developed in childhood, where the airways of the lungs are always inflamed. These bronchial tubes can tighten when symptoms are triggered, making it difficult for air to move in and out, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

Quick acting medicines

There are two types of quick-acting medicines taken through an inhaler, which relax the muscles around the airways and reduce swelling. Short-acting beta agonists are the first choice for quick relief for asthma sufferers. Anticholinergics act more slowly, but reduce mucous production as well. A combination of these two can be taken with an inhaler or through a nebulizer, which are useful for those who have difficulty using an inhaler.

Long-term control medicines

These type of medicines need to be taken every day, and include inhaled long-acting beta agonists which prevent and reduce airway swelling. Inhaled corticosteroids deal with the mucus as well. Beta agonists should always be taken with a corticosteroid, and there is a combined version for ease of use. If inhaled corticosteroids don’t work, there is an oral version, and there are also other oral medications to reduce allergic reactions and to reduce swelling in the airway.

Triggers

Medications can help a great deal, but it is also important to avoid those things which trigger asthma in the first place. The most common of these are physical exercise, outdoor or indoor allergens, such as dust mites or pollen, and certain foods and drugs.