What is the best way of treating/controlling asthma? what is the best medication?

Question

What is the best way of treating/controlling asthma? What medications are recommended?

Answer 1

The most effective treatment for asthma is identifying triggers, such as pets or aspirin, and limiting or eliminating exposure to them. Desensitization to allergens has been shown to be a treatment option for certain patients.

As is common with respiratory disease, smoking is believed to adversely affect asthmatics in several ways, including an increased severity of symptoms, a more rapid decline of lung function, and decreased response to preventive medications. Automobile emissions are considered an even more significant cause and aggravating factor. Asthmatics who smoke or who live near traffic typically require additional medications to help control their disease. Furthermore, exposure of both non-smokers and smokers to wood smoke, gas stove fumes and second-hand smoke is detrimental, resulting in more severe asthma, more emergency room visits, and more asthma-related hospital admissions. Smoking cessation and avoidance of second-hand smoke is strongly encouraged in asthmatics.

For those in whom exercise can trigger an asthma attack (exercise-induced asthma), higher levels of ventilation and cold, dry air tend to exacerbate attacks. For this reason, activities in which a patient breathes large amounts of cold air, such as skiing and running, tend to be worse for asthmatics, whereas swimming in an indoor, heated pool, with warm, humid air, is less likely to provoke a response.

>>for more about this article, visit this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asthma#Treatment

Answer 2

I had uncontrolled asthma for years. It was so difficult because I am both allergy- and exercise-induced, so just about anything would set me off with a wheezing and coughing episode. Now, I take Singulair, an Advair diskus, and my abuterol inhaler for emergencies, and I'm happy as can be. I measure my peak flow twice a week (even though I really should be doing it daily, but it's such a hassle) and when my peak flow is lower I know I need to avoid my triggers a little more proactively than other times. This helps me prevent any serious episodes. Just a question, is your daughter seeing a pulmonologist, an asthma/allergy specialist, or just your general practicioner? When I was seeing an asthma/allergy specialist he actually very seriously overmedicated me and it was making my symptoms much worse. I'm not saying that they will all do that, it's just my experience. I now see a pulmonologist and he's the one that got my asthma finally under control. Amazing man, and I've never felt better!

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

I feel your pain. I've had asthma for 14 years now and have seen several doctors. The truth is, there is no known cure for asthma at the moment. But the symptoms can be prevented. It really depends on what causes your brother's asthma. Mine is usually dust and hot weather. But I think the universal method is using the control inhaler.

I cured my Asthma the natural way?

Answer 5

I'll add about meds. I suppose...:)
Any med. that helps to control allergies are good for keeping that under control. A fast acting inhaler is a must in case you have an attack...those have albuteral in them. If you have exercise inducded, then taking a couple of puffs 15 mins. prior to your workout helps ALOT.
Some Dr.s will push Advair or Asthmanex ( Steriods), but if you have sensitive lungs (like me!) they do not work. I have heard from alot of people that those don't do much for them. But it's always worth a try!

If you have an attack, stay calm, and go to a Dr. or E.R. immeditly. They can treat you, and probably put you on a steriod pill for a week or so to keep things open in your "tubing" :)

Answer 6

Vanilla covered it pretty well, but I will add that this disease varies widely from person to person in it's manifestations. Most asthmatics require at least a long acting bronchodilator(Serevent, Formoterol or Spiriva) and a rescue, or quick acting bronchodilator (albuterol or levalbuterol). Identifying and eradicating triggers is certainly key, but it's best to be prepared-you may visit someone with a moldy house or a pet, even in today's world exposure to secondhand smoke is always a possibility and stress can play a part as well.
Any asthmatic should work with a pulmonologist to develop a regimen that's right for them.

Answer 7

To control and treat asthma Symbicort would be hard to beat, available in most countries.