Medications
There are different kinds of medicine to treat asthma
Some medicines are taken by mouth and others are inhaled. Often more than one medicine is needed. The two main types of asthma medicines include:
Quick-relief or rescue medicines
These are used at the first sign of symptoms. These medicines act quickly to open the airways and make it easier to breathe. They provide temporary relief of symptoms. Make sure this medicine is available at all times. If prescribed, medicine may also be used ten to fifteen minutes before exercise. If you use your rescue medicine more than three times a week, you may need a controller medicine.
Controller medicines
These should be taken every day to help prevent asthma symptoms and attacks. This medicine is very important because it helps treat constant swelling. If you are prescribed a controller medicine, you should use it every day.