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Controllers
Relievers
Types of control medications
Inhaled steroids work by decreasing airway inflammation allowing for a greater volume of air to move in and out of the lungs, thereby promoting oxygen exchange with the blood.
Leukotriene modifiers block the productionor action of one of the types of mediators of inflammation in asthma, leukotrienes.
The combination of inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilatoraddition of a long-acting bronchodilator to the inhaled steroid is very effective in reducing both inflammation of the airways and the symptoms seen in asthma. The long-acting bronchodilator must never be used ALONE to treat asthma, as it may mask the symptoms of worsening inflammation.
Cromolyn and Nedocromil stabilize the membrane of some cells that participate in asthma inflammation, preventing the cells from releasing their products.
Theophyllines are bronchodilators that relax the muscles surrounding the airways.
Systemic steroids are usually used to gain rapid control over asthma. These are the most potent and effective anti-inflammatory medications available. They are used as quick-relief medications, to speed recovery from an attack and prevent recurrences of exacerbations of asthma.
Anti-lgE Antibody treatments work by blocking immunoglobulin E (IgE), an underlying cause of allergic asthma. When people with allergic asthma breathe in an allergen that occurs year-round, such as dust mites or the dander produced by a cat or dog, their bodies make more IgE. This may cause a series of chemical reactions that can lead to asthma symptoms and attacks.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) is a form of treatment used to decrease a patient's sensitivity to substances called allergens. Allergy immunotherapy involves injecting increasing amounts of an allergen in to a patient over a period of time. Allergy shots have been shown to provide relief of allergy and asthma symptoms, prevent the development of new allergies, and in children, may help to prevent the later development of asthma. Allergy shots can lead to the long-lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped. Allergy immunotherapy works like a vaccine. The body responds to the injected amounts of a particular allergen (for example, ragweed), by developing an immunity or tolerance to the allergen over time.
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