What to know about anti-asthma treatment

Asthma makes the airways inflamed and prone to narrowing. Controller medicine is taken on the prescribed schedule to reduce inflammation and future flare-ups; reliever medicine is used according to the action plan when symptoms develop. Some inhalers combine medicines, so colour alone is not a reliable way to identify their purpose. Asthma commonly presents with variable wheezing, cough, chest tightness or breathlessness, particularly at night, with exercise or after exposure to a trigger.

Use the inhaler technique demonstrated for your device and have it checked periodically; a spacer may be advised with some inhalers. Continue controller medicine when well unless the prescriber changes it. Keep a reliever available, follow the written asthma action plan and note symptoms that disturb sleep or limit usual activity. Smoke, dust, respiratory infections, exercise and allergens can aggravate asthma, but triggers differ. Treating allergic rhinitis and reducing relevant allergen exposure may improve overall airway control.

Follow the emergency steps in the action plan and call local emergency services if breathing is very difficult, speech is limited by breathlessness, lips look blue or grey, the person becomes drowsy or confused, or the reliever is not helping as expected. Sit upright and use prescribed rescue treatment while help is coming. Nebuliser treatment may be used in acute care, but waiting to find a nebuliser should not delay emergency assistance.

Bring every inhaler and spacer to the visit. Ask for a technique check, a clear explanation of each device, an updated written action plan and guidance on exercise or suspected triggers. Mention increasing reliever use, night waking, persistent cough or activity limits because these can signal poor control.