Procedure - Asthma Management

Asthma is a condition that narrows and inflames the airways. This can make it difficult to breathe and cause wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. While there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle adaptations. It’s important to keep in touch with your doctor regarding your symptoms to adjust treatment as necessary. Your Ogden Clinic physician can also educate you about asthma triggers that can worsen your symptoms such as sinusitis, colds, the flu, allergens, tobacco smoke, exercise, changes in weather, and medications.

Asthma management will involve taking your prescribed medication as directed by your Ogden Clinic physician, and avoiding known asthma triggers. There are a few different types of long-term medications including:

• Inhaled corticosteroids: these are taken by using an inhaler. It’s important to be consistent with this medication to decrease inflammation of airways. These may need to be taken for several days or weeks to reach maximum benefit.
• Leukotriene modifiers: this is an oral medication that helps to relieve asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any psychological reactions such as aggression, hallucinations, depression, agitation or suicidal thoughts.
• Long-acting beta agonists: this inhaled medication will help open the airways. In certain people, these drugs may carry additional risks. Only use in combination with inhaled corticosteroids and don’t use them for acute asthma attacks.
• Combination inhalers: these drugs contain a long-acting beta agonist along with a corticosteroid.
• Theophylline: this drug is a daily pill that will help keep airways open by relaxing muscles around the airways.

For relief during an asthma attack, there are quick-relief medications available such as:

• Short-acting beta agonists: these will quickly ease symptoms of an asthma attack.
• Ipratropium: this bronchodilator will relax the muscles around the airway making breathing easier.

It’s important to note that quick-relief medications should not be used more than twice a week. If you are relying on a quick-relief medication more than twice a week, schedule an appointment with your Ogden Clinic provider.

With proper treatment, asthma is a manageable disease. By following the asthma treatment plan created in partnership with your Ogden Clinic doctor and by taking your medication as prescribed, you can minimize your symptoms and enjoy a life without interruption from asthma.