November 2016

Asthma is a long-term disease that has no cure. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease. Good asthma control will:

• Prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath
• Reduce your need for quick-relief medicines
• Help you maintain good lung function
• Let you maintain your normal activity level and sleep through the night
• Prevent asthma attacks that could result in an emergency-room visit or hospital stay

Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: long-term control and quick-relief medicines. Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Quick-relief, or “rescue” medicines relieve asthma symptoms that may flare up. Your initial treatment will depend on the severity of your asthma. Follow-up asthma treatment will depend on how well your asthma action plan is controlling your symptoms and preventing asthma attacks. Talk with your doctor about the best medications for your asthma, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any questions you may have about your medications or how to take them.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute