How is athsma treated?

There are two main types of treatments for asthma: quick-relief (rescue) medications and long-term control medications.

Quick-relief medications: are bronchodilators. These medications work by relaxing the muscles in your airways so they open up and you can breathe more easily. They are usually taken with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a nebulizer.

Examples of quick-relief medications include:

* Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA)

* Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

* Pirbuterol (Maxair Autohaler)

* Terbutaline (Brethine)

Long-term control medications: help prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in your airways. They are usually taken daily with an MDI or a nebulizer.

Examples of long-term control medications include:

* Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) such as budesonide (Pulmicort), ciclesonide (Alvesco), fluticasone (Flovent HFA, Advair HFA), mometasone (Asmanex HFA), and triamcinolone (Azmacort)

* Long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) such as formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist HFA), salmeterol (Serevent Diskus), and vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta, Breo Ellipta)

* Leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo)

* Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone

Other treatments for asthma include:

* Allergy shots: These shots can help reduce your allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

* Pulmonary rehabilitation: This program can help you improve your breathing and overall fitness.

* Lifestyle changes: Avoiding triggers such as smoking, secondhand smoke, and other allergens can help reduce asthma attacks. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help improve your asthma symptoms.

It is important to work with your doctor to develop an asthma treatment plan that is right for you.