Different Asthma Treatments

Most asthma treatments include the use of short and long-term medications as well as some environmental monitoring and modifications. As with all types of medical treatments, not all patients will respond in the same way to each type of environment or possible problem.

Asthma treatments focus on eliminating or avoiding asthma triggers. These triggers are the environmental or other conditions that cause an asthma attack to occur. Many patients have very similar triggers, so keeping good records of where you were and what was happening when the asthma attack happened can help identify each person's individual triggers. Some general triggers that are problematic for many people with asthma include:

* Allergies and colds * Grass or certain trees, flowers or plants * Stuffed toys, carpets or some fabrics * Dust and dust mites * Cockroaches or waste material from where they have been * Pets such as cats, dogs, hamsters, birds * Perfumes, hair products or air fresheners * Exhaust from vehicles * Mold * Wood smoke * Pollution * Some medications

In addition, there are also stressors that can cause an increased likelihood for an asthma attack. Worry, stress, fatigue or illness can all bring on the chance of an attack or increased difficulty in breathing.

Mild to Moderate
Daily medications combined with managing the environment and keeping data on attacks and frequencies is very important in developing an asthma treatment. Long-term medications may include anti-inflammatories and inhaled corticosteroids taken every day. In addition there are some capsule-type medications that are used for those with severe asthma. Capsule or liquid medications, such as luekotriene modifiers and long-lasting beta 2-agonists, have several side effects and careful monitoring of these, plus dosage levels, is important. Patients should consult with the doctor before stopping any oral asthma