And as a result our bodies are more hypersensitive to things like dust and mold and irritants in the air and just lots of the different things that, way back when, before disinfectants came about, they were everywhere and people didn't have as much allergies and asthma. There are a lot of studies going on trying to prove the hygiene hypothesis; nothing is hard and fast yet. We don't know exactly why there's been an increase in asthma and allergies recently.
We just know that there is a trend and it's one that we want to make sure that we can manage. For expecting mothers, there's a lot of information out on the Internet about things that you can do to prevent your child from becoming asthmatic or having allergies.
But a lot of that information is just theories. There's not a whole lot of science behind it. You want to make sure that your child's asthma is well controlled because if it's not, your child is not going to feel really well. So the best thing you can do is have an asthma action plan so that if you're having any problems with your child's asthma, you know exactly what to do, what steps to take, what medicines you need to start or increase and when to call if your child is in distress.
If your child is old enough to understand what their asthma is about, let them be in charge of their asthma to the extent that they know, what asthma is, what they need to do and to be upfront with you on the symptoms that they have so that your doctor can best help manage your child's asthma. Here are some of the asthma drugs your doctor could include in your asthma action plan:.
These portable devices deliver a premeasured dose of asthma medicine into your lungs. You hold the J-shaped pumps to your mouth and press down on the canister. The pump sends out a mist or powder that you inhale. Some inhalers contain corticosteroids that control swelling and irritation in your airways.
These inhalers are for daily or seasonal use. These freestanding devices turn liquid medicine into a mist you can breathe. The drugs used in nebulizers reduce swelling and irritation in the airways. Oral medicines. Your long-term action plan may also include oral medications. Oral asthma drugs include leukotriene modulators which reduce inflammation and theophylline which has mostly been replaced with safer, more effective medications which opens your airways.
Both are taken in pill form. Oral corticosteroid pills are also sometimes prescribed. You may have an injection of a biologic medication once or twice a month. These medicines are also called immunomodulators because they reduce certain white blood cells in your blood or reduce your sensitivity to allergens in your environment. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of these drugs to help control your asthma and relieve symptoms. Kalra D, et al.
FDA requires boxed warning about serious mental health side effects for asthma and allergy drug montelukast Singulair ; advises restricting use for allergic rhinitis. You should always take LABAs along with corticosteroids because when taken on their own they can cause severe asthma flare-ups. Theophylline is a bronchodilator that you take in pill form. Sometimes sold under the name Theo, this medication is rarely prescribed now. If you experience severe asthma, your doctor could add oral corticosteroids like prednisone to your asthma action plan.
If your flare-ups seem to be triggered by allergens, your doctor might recommend immunotherapy allergy shots or antihistamines and decongestants. They may suggest additional treatment, such as a preventer inhaler.
Reliever inhalers have few side effects, but they can sometimes cause shaking or a fast heartbeat for a few minutes after they're used. Asthma UK: reliever inhalers. You use a preventer inhaler every day to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of your airways, which stops your symptoms occurring. It's important to use it even when you do not have symptoms. You can help prevent these side effects by using a spacer, which is a hollow plastic tube you attach to your inhaler, as well as by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler.
Asthma UK: preventer inhalers. If using reliever and preventer inhalers does not control your asthma, you may need an inhaler that combines both. Combination inhalers are used every day to help stop symptoms occurring and provide long-lasting relief if they do occur.
Asthma UK: combination inhalers. You may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control your symptoms. Theophylline may also be recommended if other treatments are not helping to control your symptoms. Asthma UK: theophylline. You'll be monitored regularly while taking steroid tablets to check for signs of any problems.
Asthma UK: steroid tablets. Other treatments, such as injections or surgery, are rarely needed, but may be recommended if all other treatments are not helping. For some people with severe asthma, injections given every few weeks can help control the symptoms.
A peak flow meter measures how hard you can breathe out. Your doctor can show you how to monitor your peak flow at home. Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your symptoms. When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an oncoming attack, take your medication as instructed.
Also, immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan. Asthma care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Asthma attack Open pop-up dialog box Close. Asthma attack If you have asthma, the inside walls of the airways in your lungs can become inflamed and swollen. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Weinberger SE, et al.
In: Principles of Pulmonary Medicine. Elsevier; Accessed March 30, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
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