Long-Term Control Medications
One of the most effective, long-term control medicines for asthma is called an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the inflammation and swelling of the airways seen in patients with asthma and may help decrease excess mucus production. Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids usually results in improved lung function and a decrease in the frequency and severity of symptoms. Regular use may also result in fewer urgent care visits, fewer hospitalizations and fewer courses of oral steroids.
Inhaled corticosteroids, often referred to as simply "steroids," are the preferred medicine for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. The type of steroids used to treat asthma should not be confused with anabolic steroids, known for their use in athletics. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally safe when taken as directed by your provider. As with all inhaled or ingested medications, steroids may have side effects. Talk with your provider about options to reduce the potential for developing side effects from your inhaled steroids.
In some cases, oral steroids are used for short periods of time to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.
Other long-term control medicines include:
- Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists.These medicines are bronchodilators, or muscle relaxers, not anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used on a daily scheduled basis to help control moderate and severe asthma and to prevent nighttime symptoms. Long-acting beta-agonists are usually taken together with inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Long-acting beta-agonists should not be used to relieve acute asthma symptoms or provide immediate rescue from an asthma attack.
- Leukotriene modifiers.These medications are used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate or severe persistent asthma. They also may be helpful in treating allergies and exercise-induced asthma in some patients.
- Cromolyn and nedocromil are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications which may used to treat asthma.
- Methylxanthines, such as theophylline, can also be used to treat asthma. People who take theophylline should talk to their provider about side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. In addition, they should have their blood levels checked to be sure the dose is appropriate.
- Immunotherapy or allergy shots may be used to reduce asthma symptoms caused by allergens in certain individuals. This form of treatment may help decrease symptoms of allergies and asthma by lowering a patient’s sensitivity to specific allergens.
- Anti-IgE therapy may be used for patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. IgE is an antibody that binds to allergens such as dust mites, mold, animal dander and pollen. The binding of IgE to allergens results in allergic symptoms in some people. Anti-IgE therapy can reduce free IgE in the body and may result in reduced allergy and asthma symptoms.
Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when symptoms get worse, and long-term daily asthma control medicines to treat the ongoing inflammation. If you stop taking long-term control medicines, your asthma will probably get worse, so be sure to consult with your provider before making medication changes.
Over time, your provider may need to make changes in your asthma medicine. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medicines. Be sure to work with your provider to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma symptoms.