Managing Asthma: Medications, Long-Term Control, and Optimal Care
Quick-Relief Asthma Medications: Understanding SABA Inhalers
In asthma treatment, two types of medications need to be differentiated: Medicines that relieve asthma symptoms quickly are called quick-relief or rescue medicines. They are called “reliever” and are abbreviated “SABA” for “Short-Acting Beta2-Agonist”. Breathing them through a handheld inhaler or nebulizer ensures to get the right amount of medicine into the airways.
Asthma Maintenance Therapy: Protecting Lungs and Quality of Life
Long-term control medications target inflammation, swelling, and mucus, which cause symptoms and damage to the airways and lung. These are referred to as “controller” or maintenance medications. Even when there are no symptoms, the disease remains active, and treatment is critical: If asthma is not treated on a long-term basis, asthmatic attacks can become more common, and physical fitness and quality of life may suffer.
Asthma Controllers and Biologics: Advanced Treatment Options
Controllers can include inhalative corticosteroids and Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists (“LABA”), among others. To minimize inflammation, they should be taken permanently on a daily basis. In severe asthma, these medications may not suffice. In severe cases, traditional medications may not suffice. That’s where “Biologics” come in—innovative treatments designed to target the underlying causes of asthma.
Asthma Management Goals: Achieving Optimal Control and Reducing Risks
The primary goal of asthma management is to achieve optimal asthma control while minimizing ongoing airway deterioration and lowering the risk of asthma exacerbations and mortality. Learn how this can be achieved. Stay informed with us!
