|
Controllers
Relievers Types of reliever medications
Inhaled beta-agonists
• How they work: Short-acting beta2-agonists relax airway smooth muscle and cause a prompt (within 30 minutes) increase in airflow. Inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists are the drug of choice for treating acute asthma symptoms.
Inhaled anti-cholinergics
• How they work: Cholinergic innervation is an important factor in the regulation of airway smooth muscle tone. They provide some additive benefit with inhaled beta2-agonists in severe asthma exacerbations.
Steroid bursts
• How they work: Steroid bursts reduce and prevent inflammation in the airways that cause breathing difficulties; they provide long-term relief of asthma symptoms. Smooth muscle relaxation is key in relieving acute asthma exacerbations. It is important to take the medication regularly; otherwise it will not work properly.
|
