Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus.

This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance.

Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled.

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person.

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma.

You’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner.

List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.

If your lung function improves with use of a bronchodilator, it’s likely you have asthma.

Determining your asthma severity helps your doctor choose the best treatment.

Asthma severity often changes over time, requiring treatment adjustments.

In case of an asthma flare-up, you may need to use a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol.

Preventive, long-term control medications reduce the inflammation in your airways that leads to symptoms.

Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing.

In some cases, allergy medications are necessary.

Long-term asthma control medications,generally taken daily, are the cornerstone of asthma treatment.

You may need to use these medications for several days to weeks before they reach their maximum benefit.

Seek medical advice right away for any unusual reaction.

And because these drugs can mask asthma deterioration, don’t use them for an acute asthma attack.

It’s not used as often now as in past years.

They include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, others) and levalbuterol (Xopenex).

Ipratropium is mostly used for emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but it’s sometimes used to treat asthma attacks.

Oral and intravenous corticosteroids.These medicationswhich include prednisone and methylprednisolonerelieve airway inflammation due to severe asthma.

If you have an asthma flare-up, a quick-relief inhaler can ease your symptoms right away.

Keep a record of how many puffs you use each week.

You probably need to adjust your long-term control medication.

Allergy medicationsmay help if your asthma is triggered or worsened by allergies.

This limits the ability of the airways to tighten, making breathing easier and possibly reducing asthma attacks.

Then your doctor can adjust your treatment accordingly.

For example, if your asthma is well-controlled, your doctor may prescribe less medicine.

Also include a list of your triggers and the steps you oughta take to avoid them.

Treatment can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity.

Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma symptoms.

If you exercise in cold temperatures, wear a face mask to warm the air you breathe.

If you have frequent or constant heartburn, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

You may need treatment for GERD before your asthma symptoms improve.

Certain alternative treatments may help with asthma symptoms.

Talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, as some may interact with medications you take.

Alternative asthma treatments include:

Asthma can be challenging and stressful.

You may also feel limited or embarrassed by the symptoms of the disease and by complicated management routines.

But asthma doesn’t have to be a limiting condition.

Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment.

Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in general.

Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia.Staying current with vaccinations can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.

Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.

Identify and treat attacks early.If you act quickly, you’re less likely to have a severe attack.

You also won’t need as much medication to control your symptoms.

If your symptoms don’t improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.

See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.

Updated: 2016-08-30

Publication Date: 2000-07-03