There are different types of asthma medications. Some are taken orally, and some are inhaled either by a hand-held inhaler and spacer device, or by a nebulizer machine. Asthma medications have two basic actions: one is to relieve the symptoms ("rescue" medicines) and the other is to treat the underlying inflammation, in order to control and prevent attacks from happening ("controller" medications). Here are some details. RESCUE OR RELIEVER MEDICATIONS
Inhaled steroids are given by inhaler or by nebulizer.
Bronchodilators
As with rescue medications, when given by hand-held
inhaler, we recommend always using a spacer device.
Leukotriene Inhibitors
Leukotriene inhibitors, for example Singulair, are also
used to prevent asthma attacks and control asthma
symptoms. They work by preventing the release of
These medications are used during an asthma attack to
inflammatory substances. They are available as
relieve symptoms, and are known as “beta agonists.”
They work quickly to relax the muscles lining the
airways. The airways open up, and allow the patient to
Combination medications
breathe more easily. These medications act fast, often
working within 10-15 minutes, and their effect typically
lasts for four hours. Rescue medications can be given
by inhaler or by nebulizer. When asthma medicines are
given by hand-held inhalers, we recommend always
For patients who need additional treatment to achieve
using a "spacer" device, which is an attachment for the
control of their asthma, sometimes we prescribe a
inhaler that makes it easier to use successfully.
combination medication such as Advair, which
includes a LABA (long-acting beta agonist) and an
Inhaled Steroids Oral Steroids
If your child has a more severe asthma attack, oral
steroids may be used for short periods of time (3-10
days). They work to quickly reduce airway
Inhaled steroids are used to help control and improve
inflammation to allow your child to breathe more
ongoing asthma symptoms, and to prevent asthma
easily. Oral steroids don’t reduce growth or have any
attacks. And as with rescue medications, there are
major side effects when they are used this way, as
many brands -- some common ones listed above. They
long as the treatments are not frequent or prolonged.
work by reducing airway inflammation. By decreasing
By keeping your child’s asthma under good control,
inflammation and swelling, they help keep the airways
our goal is to prevent the need for oral steroids, and
open, so the patient may breathe more easily. These
to avoid emergency room visits completely! We want
medications typically take a couple days to start
to follow your child in the office on a regular basis and
working, and about a week before they reach their full
effect. That is why they must be used consistently.
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There are different types of asthma medications. Some are taken orally, and some are inhaled either by a hand-held inhaler and spacer device, or by a nebulizer machine. Asthma medications have two basic actions: one is to relieve the symptoms ("rescue" medicines) and the other is to treat the underlying inflammation, in order to control and prevent attacks from happening ("controller" medications). Here are some details. RESCUE OR RELIEVER MEDICATIONS
Inhaled steroids are given by inhaler or by nebulizer.
Bronchodilators