 |
|
| Home > Treatment Options > Asthma Medication Overview > Asthma Preventative Medicines |
|
 |
|
As you may know, asthma medications are commonly grouped into two categories: long-term (preventative) medications and quick-relief (rescue) medications. All people with asthma should have a quick-relief medication to treat asthma symptoms immediately when they arise. Long-term (preventative) medications help prevent asthma symptoms from occurring in the first place. Taken regularly, they work by reducing constriction (narrowing of the airways) and/or inflammation (swelling and irritation in the airways).
To learn more, click on the links below:
Long term (preventative) medications
When taken regularly, long-term medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting bronchodilators, or a combination of both medicines, help prevent asthma symptoms from occuring.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
ICS help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can:
- Improve lung function
- Prevent asthma symptoms
- Minimize reliance on a quick-relief inhaler
- Minimize the potential for long-term airway damage
ICS are very similar to a chemical that the body naturally produces to combat inflammation. They go directly to the airways of the lungs to help reduce swelling of the airways. Because they go right where they are needed, there is less risk of the side effects that may occur with a corticosteroid pill (which goes throughout your body). To help prevent coughing, wheezing, and other asthma symptoms, ICS should be taken every day as prescribed, even when you are not experiencing symptoms.
Inhaled vs anabolic steroids
When it comes to asthma medicine, don't confuse inhaled corticosteroids with anabolic steroids. The corticosteroids used for asthma are NOT the same as the steroids abused by some athletes to build muscle.
- Anabolic steroids are sometimes associated with athletes who abuse them to increase muscle mass and improve performance. Abusing anabolic steroids produces harmful side effects and can lead to serious health problems, some of which are permanent.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce inflammation (swelling of the airways). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute asthma treatment guidelines, ICS are the preferred and most effective long-term preventative medication for people with persistent asthma. Additionally, there is growing evidence that inhaled corticosteroids may also help prevent airway damage that may occur when asthma is untreated.
Long-acting beta2-agonists
Long-acting beta2-agonists are also used in preventative (long-term) treatment of asthma. These bronchodilators help keep your airways open by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways. When used regularly, these long-acting bronchodilators help reduce airway constriction, improve lung function, prevent symptoms, and reduce the need for a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Asthma Medication Overview |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
