Asthma treatment: what works and what to do today

If your chest tightens or you cough at night, you want clear steps — not confusion. Asthma treatment is about two goals: stop symptoms fast when they hit, and prevent attacks long term. You’ll read quick facts below you can use right away, whether you’ve had asthma for years or just got a diagnosis.

Quick relief vs daily control

For fast relief during an attack, short-acting beta agonists (SABA) are the go-to. You may know these by names like albuterol or salbutamol. They open airways in minutes and work for most sudden symptoms. Keep one handy and learn the right dose from your clinician.

Daily control medicines reduce inflammation and prevent attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) such as budesonide or fluticasone are the backbone of long-term control. Sometimes a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) like formoterol is combined with an ICS for better control. Other options include leukotriene modifiers (montelukast) and, for certain adults, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (tiotropium).

When stronger therapy is needed

Some people still have frequent attacks despite inhaled meds. For moderate to severe asthma, new biologic drugs are available. These target immune signals that drive certain types of asthma. Names you might hear: omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and dupilumab. Biologics are given by injection and usually prescribed after tests show you’re likely to benefit.

Short courses of oral steroids (like prednisone) can calm severe flares but aren’t safe as a long-term solution. Doctors use them for a few days to weeks when breathing is badly affected.

Treatment is more than medicines. Check your inhaler technique — most people use inhalers wrong. A spacer can make inhaled meds work better. Have an asthma action plan with green (good), yellow (steps to take), and red (seek help) zones. Track symptoms or peak flow readings so you notice worsening early.

Avoid triggers you can control: smoke, strong fumes, indoor mold, and pet dander if you’re allergic. Keep up with vaccinations like the yearly flu shot and discuss pneumococcal vaccine with your clinician. Exercise and breathing training help many people, but talk to your provider about how to start safely.

Know when to get emergency care. Go to the ER or call emergency services if you can’t speak in full sentences, your lips or face turn blue, or a rescue inhaler and usual measures don’t help. If peak flow is under 50% of your personal best despite treatment, treat it as an emergency.

Talk with your healthcare team about stepping treatment up or down based on your symptoms, side effects, and life needs. The right plan makes attacks rare, life active, and sleep restful. If you want, I can help summarize an action plan or list common inhaler types and how to use each.