Medication Management
Asthma Online Training Slide 6

eTraining Go back to Asthma Training Page

In order to keep asthma signs and symptoms under control doctors often times prescribe asthma medications to help control asthma signs and symptoms. The medications cannot and will not cure asthma, but they will help control asthma from getting worse if taken properly as prescribed by the doctor.

鈥淎sthma medicines come in two types鈥攓uick relief and long-term control. Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack鈥 (鈥淢anagement and treatment:,鈥 2009).

Relievers (quick relief)

 

A common quick-relief medication is called albuterol, and it also goes by names like ProAir, Proventil, Xopenex and Ventolin. These are the medications that a child with asthma should have with them or with a responsible guardian at all times. These medications are used when the signs and symptoms of asthma suddenly become really bad because the lungs have closed up tightly really quickly and there is not enough air coming into the lungs. Used these medications as prescribed by a doctor in case of an emergency asthma attach occurs.

 

Preventers (long-term)

Medicines that should be taken at home on a regular basis are called preventers, or long-term controller medications.

鈥淟ong-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks, but they don鈥檛 help you if you鈥檙e having an asthma attack鈥 (鈥淢anagement and treatment:,鈥 2009). 

If long-term controller medications are taken at a regular basis as prescribed by a doctor a child is less likely to have an asthma attack and have to use his or her quick-relief medication.

 

 

Go to next page