If you have asthma, there are many different solutions that you can use to manage your condition. Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled and treated. It is important to create a treatment plan that works for your asthma.
There are four primary categories of asthma medication and treatment that you can use:
Most asthma medications are delivered by breathing in the medication via an inhaler or nebulizer. This allows the medication to be delivered directly to your lungs. However, asthma medications can also be administered as infusions, injectables, and pills.
Inhalers, also called puffers, deliver medication straight to your lungs. Various types of inhalers can be used to deliver your asthma medication.
It is important to use inhalers correctly. Most people make at least one mistake when using their inhalers, which is why it is essential to learn how to use your inhaler correctly.
At West Hills Allergy & Asthma Associates, we may ask you to use your inhaler during your consultation so we can evaluate your technique and provide you with guidance on how to use it correctly.
A nebulizer is also known as a breathing machine. It takes liquid asthma medicine and turns it into a mist you breathe in through a mouthpiece or mask.
Some people find nebulizers easier to use than asthma inhalers. Once you set up a nebulizer, it is easy to use. They come in tabletop and portable models.
There are three types of nebulizers:
With all three types of nebulizers listed above, you can breathe through a mouthpiece or a mask. Facemasks are commonly used for children under five because they tend to breathe more through their noses than their mouths.
Another type of asthma treatment is injectables or biologics. These are given every few weeks as shots or IV infusions.
The shots can be administered in a doctor’s office, or you can be provided with an auto-injector device to give yourself shots at home.
Infusions have to be given directly at our office. A needle is attached to a tube and injected into a vein in your arm. The medication goes directly into your bloodstream.
Biologics target a cell or protein in your body to prevent airway swelling. They are used for specific types of asthma and don’t work for everyone. Biologics are specifically designed to treat moderate-to-severe asthma that is hard to treat with other medications.
Bronchodilators can be both short and quick-relief medications. Many different types of bronchodilator medications can be used to control your asthma.
Anti-inflammatories, also known as steroids, come in many different forms. Their focus is on reducing swelling and the build-up of extra mucus inside your airways.
Anti-inflammatories are not made to treat sudden symptoms or attacks. They are a controlled medication designed to control and prevent asthma symptoms. There are two primary types of anti-inflammatories:
Medication is one tool to treat your asthma. However, the medications that work for you may change over time. Asthma is a chronic condition and requires continued care. If you have nighttime asthma, medication can help you sleep better.
It is important to learn about your triggers and figure out how to avoid them.
You may also need to take steps to improve the air quality of your home to reduce your exposure to triggers. Better air quality in your home can lead to better sleep and overall health.
Call West Hills Allergy & Asthma Associates for all your asthma concerns. Getting started is simple! Let our friendly staff and board-certified physicians care for you and your family.
For a consultation with Dr. Rene Anderson-Cowell, you can call us at (503) 297-4779 or request an appointment online.