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Treatment of Asthma

The type of treatment that is given depends on how often the asthma attacks occur and how bad the symptoms are. Most treatment is by prescribed drugs and these are often taken using an inhaler (a device which enables the drug to be breathed in directly to the affected area, the lungs). 

  • The most common treatments for symptoms when they begin are short-acting beta-2 agonist inhalers such as salbutamol (Ventolin). These act to widen the air passages of the lungs.
  • Other medicines called ‘preventers’ may then be prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. Corticosteroid inhalers such as beclomethasone reduce inflammation in the air tube linings, so reducing breathlessness. Inhaled steroids are taken twice a day, everyday.
  • If asthma is still not fully controlled, before increasing preventer treatment, other medicines are ‘added on’. These include long-acting beta-2 agonist inhalers such as salmeterol (Serevent).
  • More specialist types of drugs may also be prescribed. An example is ipratropium, which dries up the mucus and relax the muscles around the airways, so that they loosen and allow flow of air. This is sometimes prescribed for the very young and the elderly, and in acute cases.

In severe asthma, steroid drugs may also be taken by mouth in tablet form for a time. However, inhaled steroids are widely recognised as an important way of preventing worsening symptoms and long-term damage.

It is important to know how to use inhalers properly so that the drugs reach the air tubes and are not just deposited in the mouth or throat. Large-volume spacer devices may help. They are larger in size than other inhalers and may have a mask attached for easy of use. They mix the dose of drugs in a greater quantity of air and reduce the problems of poor inhaler technique.

To get initial control of symptoms, a higher or more frequent dose of inhaled drugs may be required, but once the symptoms and peak flow have improved the dose will be carefully reduced to the minimum that maintains control.

Inhaled steroids are usually used twice a day. If symptoms are not controlled on this dosage, then taking smaller amounts of drug more often may be more effective. The advice of your doctor is essential.

There is limited evidence that acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, herbal medicine or yoga may help some people with asthma. In one study it was demonstrated that acupuncture may help people to cope better with their asthma. However, acute attacks should still be treated with effective conventional medicines.

In order to reduce frequency of allergic reactions, it may be useful to minimise house dust mite residues where possible. This can be achieved by using mattress covers, vacuum cleaners with allergy filters, and damp dusting, for example. Immunisation with the influenza vaccine is recommended for asthmatic people.