Asthma treatments

Many different treatments are available for asthma. For many people, a combination of treatments is the best approach. Your doctor will help you design a treatment plan that meets your needs. Treatments include avoidance and medications. Devices such as peak flow meters, inhalers and nebulizers may be helpful.

Goals

According to asthma experts at the National Institutes of Health, the right asthma treatment should achieve the goals listed below. If these goals are not being met, discuss your asthma treatment plan with your doctor.

• Prevent symptoms
  • No coughing or wheezing
  • No shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • No waking up at night
• Have normal breathing tests
• No limitation on physical activity
• Prevent asthma attacks and minimize the need for emergency hospital visits
• Provide optimal medicine with minimal or no adverse effects
• No school or work absences due to asthma