The asthma medications that are prescribed may differ from patient to patient. It is important that you understand how to take your medications and why you are taking them. Discuss your symptoms and asthma control with your doctor and work together to get the right treatment and dose of medication so that you can lead a normal life, unrestricted by asthma symptoms. These medications are prescribed for you to gain asthma control and to relieve your asthma symptoms. Do not stop taking your medications on your own.

Remember in the asthma definition that asthma means having some underlying inflammation in your airways as well as having bronchoconstriction.  Because there are two components you may need different medications to treat each component. 

Asthma medications are delivered by inhaler devices that deliver the medication straight to the airways. They can also be prescribed as tablets.

It is important that you use your inhaler correctly to ensure that you are getting maximum benefit from your medication. Ask your Doctor, Asthma Educator or Pharmacist to make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly at your next visit. Please also visit the “Delivery Devices ” section of the website.

Asthma Medications

There are two types of Asthma medications:

• Controllers - also called "preventers," are used to treat airway inflammation. Controllers are taken every day. You will know that the controller medication is working because over time, you will have fewer symptoms. When your asthma is in good control, you will not have any symptoms. It is important to continue your medications because if you stop taking them the airway inflammation may return.
• Relievers – help relieve/alleviate symptoms quickly. If your symptom is cough, wheeze, chest tightness or shortness of breath, use a reliever medication to reduce symptoms. Relievers are only a short-term solution to your breathing problem as they treat the bronchoconstriction or tightening of the airway but they do not treat the underlying airway inflammation. Monitor how often you use your reliever as increased use over time is telling you that your asthma is worsening.  Tell your doctor or refer to your Asthma Action Plan if you start using your reliever medication more.