Cure & Medication

Is there a cure for Asthma?

No. Asthma cannot be cured since it is a chronic disease of the airways of your lungs. But Asthma can definitely be controlled with regular medicines, monitoring of asthma symptoms and avoiding the asthma triggers.

How is Asthma treated?

The two main types of asthma medicines are:

Relievers

Reliever medicines work very quickly (often within seconds) to give immediate relief. One should take a reliever inhaler as early as possible once you get the asthma symptoms as advised by your doctor.

The reliever inhalers contain medicines which relax the muscles around the tightened airways, allowing the airways to open which makes it easier to breathe and reduces the symptoms.

Preventers

Preventer medicines the most important objective in treating asthma is to control the reddening and the swelling airways. Preventer inhalers usually contain medication called inhaled steroids which helps to control the airway swelling and reduces symptoms.

There is also a preventer which is a tablet, used by some people.

The asthma medications are usually taken through an inhaler, also called a pump or a puffer. Inhalers contain measured doses of medication that enter directly into the airways when you breathe in. There are many different types of inhalers available for treating Asthma like the Dry powder inhaler (DPI) and Metered dose inhaler (MDI)

Are the asthma medicines safe for long-term use?

Most asthma medicines are safe for long-term use. However, if you are taking medicines for high blood pressure, you should discuss with your doctor and follow his advice.

Some people with asthma should avoid taking medicines commonly used to relieve body pain and lower high temperature – including aspirin and ibuprofen, since it is found that in people with asthma these medicines can make their symptoms suddenly and severely worse.

What are nebulizers?

A nebulizer changes the medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. They are particularly effective in delivering asthma medicines to infants and small children and to anyone who has difficulty using an inhaler. It is also convenient when a large dose of an inhaled medication is needed.

How long should I continue the asthma medications?

Since Asthma is a long term condition, it requires an ongoing treatment. You should have regular appointments with your doctor to ensure that your asthma is well controlled. During each visit, your doctor will examine you for signs of asthma and monitor the lung function. He/she will also check if you are using your inhalers correctly, how often you have to take them, and how well controlled your asthma is.