Best Allergic Asthma Treatment

Asthma cannot be cured. It can however be controlled by preventive asthma and allergy medication that work to make attacks less frequent and severe and agents that offer quick allergy and asthma relief during an episode.

Allergy asthma treatment begins with anti-inflammatory drugs that desensitize the airways and make them less susceptible to triggering agents. These medications will reduce coughing and wheezing and will offer long-term control of the condition.

Non-steroid inhalants include Intal (cromolyn sodium) and Tilade (nedocromil sodium). Both prevent swelling of the airways and are also good to prevent asthma triggered by physical exertion.

Inhaled corticosteroids include Aerobid, Azmacort, Beclovent, Flovent, Pulmicort, and Vanceril. The effects of corticosteroids are both a reduction of airway swelling and a reduction of mucus in the lungs. They are safe when taken as directed and do not have the same ill effects as the anabolic steroids used by some athletes to build muscles.

In some severe cases oral corticosteroids are also used. These include Aristocort, Celestone, Decadron, Medrol, Prednisone, and Sterapred for adults in pill or tablet format and liquid Pediapred or Prelone for children.

The long-acting beta agonist Serevent, an inhalant, will help to control daily symptoms but is not a substitute for anti-inflammatory prescriptions. Leukotriene modifiers such as Accolate and Singulair are new, long-term medications to prevent inflammation and swelling and to decrease mucus in the lungs.

Allergic asthma treatment also involves quick relief agents, bronchodilators that open the airways during an attack by relaxing the adjacent muscles. Short-acting inhaled beta agonists include Albuterol, Alupent, Brethaire, Bronkosol, Isoetharine, Maxair, Medihaler-Iso, Metaprel, Proventil, Tornalate, and Ventolin. (If you use an inhaler daily or as much as three times a day, you may not be using the medicine correctly or your asthma could be getting worse. Under these circumstances you should see your doctor.)

Can I Prevent Allergic Asthma?

Since asthma cannot be cured and the causes can come from a myriad of sources, prevention actually involves part of a life-long maintenance program. With the help of your doctor, you will find an appropriate medication for long-term use that will serve to decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of attacks.

You can, of course, take steps to avoid the items to which you are allergic. That may, however, be harder than you think. If, for instance, your specific trigger is ragweed pollen, you would have to stay indoors from August to November. Some helpful and realistic steps include washing your bedding once a week in hot water to kill dust mites, using a humidifier to maintain relative humidity below 50%, washing your hands after playing with your pet, and keeping your home free of cockroaches.

Mold is a difficult problem to combat and may require the intervention of a professional mold control company. Make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside and that bathrooms are equally well ventilated. Check your faucets and pipes for leaks. Keep decayed debris out of your yard and gutters, and avoid doing yard work unless you can wear a mask. If you actually see mold spores growing in your home, consult a professional immediately about eradication methods. This may require that you leave your home for a period of time.

The combination of allergy and asthma is the most common respiratory complaint in the United States with estimates suggesting that 60 percent of the population suffers from the dual conditions. Thankfully a wide range of allergic asthma treatment is available and is effective, usually in a combination of preventative and short-term relief applications.