The goal of treatment is to avoid the substances that trigger your symptoms and to control airway inflammation. You and your doctor should work together as a team to develop and carry out a plan for eliminating asthma triggers and monitoring symptoms.

There are two basic kinds of medication for the treatment of asthma:

• Long-acting medications to prevent attacks
• Quick-relief medications for use during attacks

Long-term control medications are used on a regular basis to prevent attacks, not to treat them. Such medicines include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids (such as Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, Flovent) prevent inflammation
• Leukotriene inhibitors (such as Singulair and Accolate)
• Long-acting bronchodilators (such as Serevent) help open airways
• Omilizumab (Xolair), which blocks a pathway that the immune system uses to trigger asthma symptoms
• Cromolyn sodium (Intal) or nedocromil sodium (Tilade)
• Aminophylline or theophylline (not used as frequently as in the past)
• Sometimes a single medication that combines steroids and bronchodilators are used (Advair, Symbicort)

Quick relief, or rescue, medications are used to relieve symptoms during an attack. These include:

• Short-acting bronchodilators (inhalers), such as Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, and others
• Corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, may be given directly into a vein (intravenously), during a severe attack, along with other inhaled medications

People with mild asthma (infrequent attacks) may use quick relief medication as needed. Those with persistent asthma should take control medications on a regular basis to prevent symptoms. A severe asthma attack requires a check up by a doctor and, possibly, a hospital stay, oxygen, and medications through a vein (IV).

A peak flow meter is a simple device to measure how quickly you can move air out of your lungs. It can help you see if an attack is coming, sometimes even before any symptoms appear. Peak flow measurements can help show when medication is needed, or other action needs to be taken. Peak flow values of 50-80% of a specific person's best results are a sign of a moderate asthma attack, while values below 50% are a sign of a severe attack.

The stress caused by illness can often be helped by joining a support group, where members share common experiences and problems.

See: Asthma and allergy - support group

There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

The complications of asthma can be severe. Some include:

• Death
• Decreased ability to exercise and take part in other activities
• Lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms
• Permanent changes in the function of the lungs
• Persistent cough
• Trouble breathing that requires breathing assistance (ventilator)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if asthma symptoms develop.

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if:

• An asthma attack requires more medication than recommended
• Symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
• You have shortness of breath while talking
• Your peak flow measurement is 50-80% of your personal best

Go to the emergency room if:

• Drowsiness or confusion develops
• There is severe shortness of breath at rest
• The peak flow measurement is less than 50% of your personal best
• You have severe chest pain