ASTHMA TREATMENT

At this point in time there is no cure for asthma. The aim of asthma management is to reduce asthma symptoms, so that the person can lead a full and active life.

The best way is to avoid triggers and through correct use of asthma medications. There are three types of asthma medications.

RELIEVERS : provides relief of asthma symptoms within minutes, reliever medication relaxes the tight muscles around the airways.

PREVENTERS : reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways, preventer medication may take up to three weeks to work. There are both steroid and non-steroidal Preventer medications available.

SYMPTOM CONTROLLERS : these are long acting relievers which last up to 12 hours.

Medications are usually inhaled either through a metered dose inhaler (puffer) or dry powder devices. Preventer medications in an oral (tablet) format have recently become available in Australia but they are not yet included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A puffer is best used together with a spacer. A spacer is an inexpensive device which assists in the effective administration of medication, ensuring that the inhaled medication (both relievers and preventers) gets where it is needed; into the airways. In most instances a spacer is as effective as a nebuliser pump in the delivery of medication. Most children and adults will not need to use a nebuliser for the delivery of medication.



SYMPTOMS AND TRIGGERS

TREATMENT

ASTHMA ATTACK

THE DANGERS OF SMOKING

ASTHMA AND EXERCISE

ASTHMA AND WORK

ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES

ASTHMA AND CARPETS

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