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Medications

There is currently no known cure for asthma but there is a wide range of medication available to relieve asthma symptoms.

Most people are able to achieve “good asthma” status with effective management. It is important for patients to understand the definition of good asthma control as described by your GP/Practice nurse, namely:

  • Minimal symptoms
  • No exacerbations
  • No activity limitation
  • No emergency visits
  • Minimal need for rescue medication
  • Minimal side-effects from medication
  • Normal / near-normal lung function
  • Minimal diurnal peak flow variability

Medications

Bronchodilators: "blue inhaler"

Bronchodilators are known as "relievers". They work by relaxing the muscle around the airways, allowing the airways to "open up" and so relieve your asthma symptoms. Bronchodilators can be either short acting or long acting.

  • Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA)
The effect from using a SABA can last approximately 4-6 hours. They are mostly taken to provide immediate relief from asthma symptoms when they occur (e.g. after exercise or after exposure to an allergen). Some people find it useful to take their blue inhaler 10-20 minutes prior to exercise or coming into contact with known asthma triggers. Examples of SABA include salbutamol.

  • Long-acting bronchodilators (LABA)
The effect from using a LABA can last for approximately 8-12 hours.It can be used every day.Some long-acting relievers are also used in the same way as a short-acting bronchodilator to relieve symptoms; this has the advantage of giving longer relief.There are many various types of bronchodilators and devices available; your GP or Practice Nurse will help you find one that suits you best. Examples of long-acting bronchodilators are Serevent (salmeterol) or Oxis (formoterol).

Preventer: "brown/orange inhaler"

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) work by reducing the inflammation inside the airways thereby reducing the frequency of asthma symtoms experienced. These inhalers should be taken regularly based on prescribing instruction.

Although you will be started on a certain dose of inhaled steroids, it is quite normal for the dose to be changed from time to time and / or for another inhaler to be added to your therapy - this can either be to help you achieve better asthma control, or to reduce the level of medication prescribed once control has been achieved.

Examples of inhaled corticosteroids include: Beclomethasone and Flixotide, etc. There are many options available and your GP/Practice Nurse will help you find the treatment that suits you best.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are tablets taken orally.They are often used in addition to ICS, but in some circumstances they will be prescribed on their own.LTRAs are particularly useful for patients who have asthma and rhinitis (constant runny & itchy nose symptoms throughout the year; hay fever is the most common form of rhinitis). Examples of LTRAs include Singulair and Montelukast.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics (e.g. Ipratropium, Spiriva / Tiotropium) Anticholinergics are more commonly used in conditions of the lung caused by smoking, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but can very occasionally be used in asthma They work by opening up the airways, but in a different way to the "blue inhaler". They may be a useful addition to asthma therapy where control is difficult to achieve.

Steroid concerns

Asthma patients often have two main concerns regarding their asthma medication, addiction to medication and/or building up resistance to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medication due to everyday use.

It is important to understand that corticosteroids used in asthma medication is different to anabolic steroids used by body builders and athletes. Rest assured that standard doses of corticosteroids, taken under medical supervision, are NOT associated with addiction or sudden steroid-related deaths.

Also, patients DO NOT develop resistance or tolerance to ICS if taken daily. Regular use of ICS is very important in helping to control the underlying inflammation associated with asthma and preventing symptoms worsening and leading to asthma attacks. Please speak to your GP/Practice nurse to address any worries you might have regarding your asthma medication.