Asthma Medications

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in your lungs, making them sensitive to certain triggers. When you come into contact with a trigger, the airways can become narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making it harder to breathe. Asthma medications are the treatments used to prevent and relieve these symptoms.

Yes, asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in the world. It affects millions of people of all ages, and most people with asthma need medication at some point to control their symptoms.

Asthma can affect anyone, from young children to older adults. It often starts in childhood, but sometimes appears for the first time in adulthood. Asthma also runs in families, and it is more likely in people who have allergies or a family history of eczema or hay fever.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Feeling short of breath
• Tightness, heaviness, or pressure in the chest
• Coughing, especially at night, early morning, or during exercise
• Difficulty sleeping because of coughing or breathlessness

Symptoms in children

• Coughing that gets worse when playing or laughing
• Breathing faster than usual or flaring the nostrils
• Tummy pulling in under the ribs when breathing
• Not feeding or eating well because breathing is difficult
• Tiredness from disrupted sleep
• Avoiding play or sports because they feel out of breath

Symptoms in older adults

• Breathlessness that is mistaken for being out of shape
• Ongoing cough that may be put down to smoking or age
• Chest tightness that is confused with heart problems
• Tiring easily during everyday tasks
• Wheezing that comes and goes

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of asthma is not fully known, but it involves inflammation (swelling) in the airways that makes them sensitive.
• Triggers vary from person to person and may include pollen, dust mites, pet fur, cold air, exercise, smoke, or strong smells.
• Viral infections such as colds and flu can make asthma symptoms worse.
• Medication is not a cure, but it is the main way to control this sensitivity and calm the airways.

Risk factors

• Having allergies, eczema, or hay fever
• A family history of asthma or allergies
• Being exposed to cigarette smoke, especially in early childhood
• Having been born very early or with low birth weight
• Living in places with high air pollution
• Working in jobs that expose you to dust, chemicals, or fumes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse despite using your medication
• You need to use your reliever inhaler many times a day or every day
• You have been to the emergency department more than once in the past year for asthma
• Your reliever inhaler does not seem to work or the effect does not last long

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been newly diagnosed with asthma or suspect you have it, for proper testing and a medication plan
• At least once a year to review your asthma action plan and check your inhaler technique
• Before starting a new physical activity or if you become pregnant, so your medication can be adjusted
• If your symptoms are interfering with sleep, school, work, or everyday life

Diagnosis

There is no single test for asthma. A doctor will ask about your symptoms, your family history, and what triggers make things worse. They will also listen to your breathing and may run a few simple breathing tests to see how your lungs work.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry: a breathing test where you blow into a machine to measure how fast and how much air you exhale
• Peak flow test: a small handheld device that measures how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs; you may do this at home
• FeNO test: a breath test that measures inflammation in your airways by checking a gas called nitric oxide
• Allergy tests or a review of your triggers to see if certain allergies are making your asthma worse

What to expect at your appointment

If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will usually be shown how to use your inhaler and given a written asthma action plan. This plan tells you which medications to take every day, which ones to use when you have symptoms, and what to do in an emergency. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to review your symptoms and adjust your medications if needed.

Treatment

Asthma medications are the cornerstone of asthma care. They are usually taken through an inhaler, which delivers the medicine directly to your lungs. The right medication for you depends on your age, your symptoms, and how often you have flare-ups. The goal is to control your asthma and let you live without constant worry.

Self-care at home

• Always use your inhaler exactly as your doctor or asthma nurse has shown you.
• If you use a spacer, wash and replace it as instructed to keep it working well.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms and peak flow readings to share at your review.
• Learn your triggers and try to avoid them without restricting your life too much.
• Take time to relax and breathe deeply; stress can make asthma worse.

Medical treatments

Asthma medication is usually built into two main groups. A reliever inhaler (with a short-acting bronchodilator, a medicine that quickly opens up the airways) should be carried with you to give quick relief if symptoms come on. A preventer inhaler (usually containing an inhaled corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation in the airways) is taken every day to keep symptoms from developing in the first place. Some people need a combination inhaler that includes both a steroid and a long-acting airway opener. In more severe cases, doctors may also prescribe other medicines, such as oral tablets or injectable treatments, but these are only used under specialist guidance. The medication is always tailored to you, and the aim is to regularly use the lowest dose that keeps your asthma well controlled.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely used for asthma. In a very small number of people with severe asthma that does not respond to treatment, a specialist may consider a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty, which uses heat to reduce the muscle in the airways. This is not a common option and is only discussed after all other medical treatments have been tried.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma means getting used to taking your inhalers correctly and carrying your reliever inhaler with you most of the time. It helps to have a clear daily routine: take your preventer at the same time each morning and evening, and clean your inhaler and spacer regularly. Use your asthma action plan, and do not stop your medications without talking to your doctor first.

Lifestyle tips

• Make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly, and ask for a technique check at every visit.
• Try to avoid smoking and areas where you may breathe in second-hand smoke.
• Keep your home ventilated, but avoid very cold or damp rooms that can trigger symptoms.
• During high-pollen or cold-weather seasons, wear a scarf over your mouth and keep windows shut.
• Build exercise up gradually, warm up first, and use your reliever inhaler before activity if your doctor advises it.

Diet and exercise

There is no special asthma diet, but eating a healthy, balanced diet along with regular physical activity is good for general health and can help you manage your weight, which may reduce pressure on your lungs. Choose activities that suit you, like walking, swimming, or cycling, and always carry your reliever inhaler, especially during exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Asthma can sometimes feel overwhelming, and anxiety or stress can even trigger symptoms. It is normal to feel worried about asthma, but you do not need to face it alone. It is important to talk to your healthcare team if your emotions are affecting your ability to manage your asthma, because your well-being is part of your overall health. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or are in a mental health crisis, go to your local emergency services immediately or call a crisis helpline in your country.

Prevention

Asthma itself cannot be prevented, but you can lower the chance of having serious attacks by using your preventer medication regularly and following your asthma action plan. Staying away from triggers as much as possible also helps reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Vaccines

Keep up to date with recommended vaccines, especially the seasonal flu vaccine and, if your doctor advises it, the pneumonia vaccine. Respiratory infections can make asthma worse, so protecting yourself against them is a smart step.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent, severe asthma attacks that require emergency care
• Permanent narrowing of the airways over time
• Poor sleep and chronic tiredness
• Reduced ability to exercise or do everyday tasks
• Missing school or work more often
• Severe attacks may rarely be life-threatening

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with asthma is very good, especially when the condition is properly managed. With the right medication, a clear action plan, and regular check-ins with your doctor, most people with asthma can lead a full, active, and normal life. Remember, asthma is a treatable condition, so take your medications as prescribed and celebrate the calm days.

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