Asthma Treatments: An Overview

November 19, 2008

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Asthma Treatments: An Overview

by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.

While asthma is not curable (at least, not yet), a number of very good asthma medications are available to prevent and treat asthma attacks. Which medicines a child may benefit from, and the dose of each that is needed, depends on how often the child experiences symptoms, the severity of those symptoms, and the level of difficulty involved in trying to control them.

Types of medications
At the simplest level, the medications used to treat asthma can be divided into two groups: those designed to achieve and maintain long-term control of asthma (controller medications) and those that offer quick relief when symptoms flare up (reliever or rescue medications).

Some medicines work effectively as a preventive measure but may not have much--if any--effect on treating an attack once it occurs.

To enjoy the greatest benefit that these medicines afford, it's important that you understand the basics about how they work, how they are given, and when they should--and should not--be used.

How they work
Asthma medications usually are designed to either prevent or treat the airway inflammation that is characteristic of asthma. They also may work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the small airways in the lung, causing the airways to open up (dilate). Because the effects of asthma medications vary greatly from one class to the next, be sure to familiarize yourself with how each type works.

How they're administered
There are many ways to give asthma medications. The method chosen typically depends on the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms.

Inhalers. The most common device used to deliver asthma medication is the metered-dose inhaler (MDIs), although dry powder inhalers (DPIs) also are available. Metered-dose inhalers are designed to quickly spray a mist of medication into the lungs. In order for an inhaler to be effective, a child has to be old enough to inhale the mist into his lungs and hold his breath for a few seconds. Specially designed spacers allow the mist to be sprayed into a holding chamber and then inhaled--a technique that increases the likelihood that the inhaled spray will go into the lungs and not wind up in the back of the throat.

Nebulizers. This method involves the use of a machine that compresses air along with a small cuplike device (nebulizer) to hold the medicine. Tubing connects the nebulizer to the air compressor so that when the machine is turned on, compressed air flows into the nebulizer and converts the liquid medication inside into a mist. This mist is then inhaled into the lungs either via a mask that covers the nose and mouth or by a tube that has been placed in the mouth.

Intravenous (IV) solutions. When asthma symptoms are severe, it's sometimes necessary to administer medications directly into the bloodstream through an IV.

Tablets, capsules, pills, and liquids round out the list.

Determining which medications to use and when to use them
When it comes to figuring out which asthma medications are best for your child, the most important thing you can do is develop a carefully laid-out plan with your child's healthcare provider. There are many specific medications that come in the various forms listed above. Your child's provider can help you determine which to use and in what situations they'd be called for.


RELATED INFORMATION

			An Introduction to Asthma
			Asthma and the Use of Peak Flow Meters
			Asthma

Reviewed May 05, 2001

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