Approaches to Asthma Therapy

Researchers haven't found a cure for asthma yet, but they are continually finding new ways to treat the chronic disease. It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of asthma, so the cure may still be far off. Still, there are always new ways for asthma sufferers to better live with asthma.

Asthma Therapy

There are a variety of ways to deal with your asthma. The best treatment for you depends on the severity of the disease. You should work closely with your doctor on what is the most appropriate choice for you.

Medications/Inhalers

For those who suffer from asthma, there are several good therapies that work quite well. Many asthma sufferers alleviate their symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by using inhalers. There are two kinds of inhalers: bronchodilators and corticosterioids. Bronchodilators provide immediate relief for asthma symptoms by reducing swelling and allowing the asthma sufferer to breathe. Corticosteriods are taken daily to prevent asthma attacks from happening.

Doctors are increasingly prescribing a new kind of inhaler that combines both. It works as both a bronchodilator for asthma flare ups, and provides long term relief as a corticosteroid. These combination inhalers have been most effective in treating asthma symptoms.

Over-the counter medications such as Bronkaid and Primatene Mist provide about 30 minutes of relief for asthma symptoms. These medications are not designed as a long term bronchial asthma treatment. They do not control asthma symptoms or prevent attacks. If you are using over the counter medications as an asthma treatment, your asthma is not under control and you could be risking long-term damage to your lungs.

Prevention

The best asthma treatment is prevention. Avoiding the allergens that trigger your asthma attacks is still the best way to go. Common allergens include household dust, mold, animal dander, pollen, tobacco smoke, cockroaches and air pollution. Keeping away from these irritants will reduce your risk of asthma attacks.

Immunotherapy

Some doctors recommend immunotherapy for severe cases. Immunotherapy is when a doctor inject small amounts of asthma allergens into patient in order to help build up an immunity. The doses are gradually increased. Immunotherapy has shown great results over the long-term for asthma sufferers.

Alternative Therapy

Some asthma sufferers swear by alternative therapies, even though they have not been scientifically proven to work. There are claims that acupuncture, hypnotherapy and yoga have provided relief for asthma symptoms. While they have never been proven to work, it might be worth a try. You have nothing to lose!

Scientists are looking for a cure for asthma, but as of yet none has been found. Recent studies by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research suggest that the muscles of asthmatics may lack certain proteins that assist in breathing. They are also looking at links between asthma and other diseases such as sleep apnea.

Before trying any asthma treatments on your own, talk to your doctor. Make sure you know the severity of your illness, and which triggers are particularly troublesome. Work out a plan with your doctor, and monitor results to see if it works.