Preventing, Treating And Managing Asthma With Medications

Asthma can be prevented, treated and managed with medication

• Asthma medications help reduce underlying inflammation in the airways and relieve or prevent symptomatic airway narrowing.

• Control of inflammation should lead to reduction in airway sensitivity and help prevent airway obstruction

There are 2 classes of drugs for asthma: (1) anti-inflammatory drugs and (2) bronchodilators.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs interrupt the development of bronchial inflammation and have a preventive action. They may also modify or terminate ongoing inflammatory reactions in the airways. These agents include corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium, and other anti-inflammatory compounds.

• A new class of anti-inflammatory medications known as leukotriene modifiers, which work in a different way by blocking the activity of chemicals called leukotrienes that are involved in airway inflammation, have recently become available.

• Bronchodilators act principally to dilate the airways by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. They include beta-adrenergic agonists, methylxanthines, and anticholinergics.

To learn more about preventing and treating asthma and medications for children, visit:  American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Tips to Remember: What is a Peak Flow Meter? Use of Inhalants.

Links to additional information:

• American Lung Association.

• The Respiratory Institute: Treatment Options (ALA)

• The National Jewish Medical Research Center.

• Food and Drug Interactions.

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Effects of Inhalants, (article)

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Page last updated: 06/15/2006

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