Microsoft word - what is asthma1.doc

Asthma Medicines
• The right medicines can control asthma.
• The two main kinds of asthma medicines are quick relief
medicines and long-term medicines.

The right medicines can control asthma.

• Asthma medicines are very safe and effective. • You cannot get addicted to asthma medicine. • It is very important to use asthma medicines the right way. • Some medicines only work right when you take them every day.
The two main kinds of asthma medicines are quick relief medicines and long-
term medicines.
Quick relief medicines – Other names for these medicines include:
- Rescue medicines
- Openers
- Bronchodilators
Everyone with asthma should have a quick relief medicine. Quick relief medicines help stop coughing and wheezing by quickly opening lung airways. But they work only for a short time. If you use a quick relief medicine more than 2 or 3 times a week, you should probably be taking a long-term medicine too. Some brand names for these medicines are Albuterol, Proventil, and Ventolin. Long-term medicines – Other names for these medicines include:
- Preventer medicines
- Controller medicines
- Anti-inflammatories
Long-term control medicines only work right if you take them every day. They help stop swelling in the airways. They make your lungs react less strongly to everyday irritants, so you have fewer asthma symptoms and severe asthma episodes. Some brand names for long-term medicines are Flovent, Azmacort, Singulair, and Advair.

Source: http://asthmasandiego.org/pdfs/Asthma%20Medicines.pdf