- Medication is a critical part of your asthma treatment. There are two basic types of asthma medicine: quick relievers and long-term controllers. The exact medications (and the amount) that’s right for you depend on the severity of your asthma. Together, you and your doctor will create a medicine plan. Depending on your asthma symptoms, this plan will change over time.
- Most asthma medication is inhaled, rather than oral (liquid or pill form). Inhaled medication goes straight to your lungs and works quickly. You can breathe in medication using a metered dose inhaler, a dry powder inhaler, or a nebulizer. What works best depends on your comfort level and ability.
- For asthma medicine to work, you need to take it as prescribed, even if you feel fine. If you’re inhaling medication, know the proper techniques for using an inhaler correctly. Using an inhaler correctly ensures that you are getting the full dose of medicine.
- Ask your doctor how often you should be taking any medication. If your symptoms do not improve, or if you need a lot of medicine to feel better, your medication isn’t working as well as it should. There can be many reasons for this. If you think your medication isn’t working well, tell your doctor. You may try new inhaler techniques, different medicine, or a different dosage.
-As in all of your asthma treatment, your health care provider is your partner. Asthma medication can be complicated. Ask questions. Express any concerns you may have.
Whatever you do, don’t simply start taking less, more, or no asthma medicine; your symptoms could get worse quickly. Instead, call your doctor. Together, you can adjust your medication to make you comfortable, confident, and in control of your health.
