Description
Control medicines for asthma are drugs you take to control your asthma symptoms. You must take them every day for them to work. You and your doctor can make a plan for the medicines that work for you. This plan will include when you should take them and how much you should take.
You may need to take these medicines for at least a month before you start to feel better.
Take the medicines even when you feel OK. Take enough with you when you travel. Plan ahead. Make sure you do not run out.
Alternative Names
Asthma - inhaled corticosteroids; Asthma - long-acting beta-agonists; Asthma - leukotriene modifiers; Asthma - cromolyn; Bronchial asthma-control drugs; Wheezing - control drugs; Reactive airway disease - control drugs
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids prevent your airways from swelling in order to help keep your asthma symptoms away.
Inhaled steroids are used with a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and spacer. Or, they may be used with a dry powder inhaler.
You should use an inhaled steroid every day, even if you do not have symptoms.
After you use it, rinse your mouth with water, gargle, and spit it out.
If your child cannot use an inhaler, your doctor will give you a drug to use with a nebulizer. This machine turns liquid medicine into a spray so your child can breathe the medicine in.
