Anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma

Inhaled corticosteroids are a common form of controller treatment. They work differently from quick-relief bronchodilators, which relax tightened airway muscles during symptoms.

Asthma airways can remain inflamed even between obvious episodes. Regular anti-inflammatory treatment makes them less reactive over time, so it is generally taken on schedule rather than only when wheezing or tightness becomes noticeable.

Some inhalers combine an anti-inflammatory medicine with a medicine that opens the airways. The same device may have different roles in different treatment plans, so its label and personal instructions determine when it should be used.

Take the prescribed dose at the scheduled times, even on days without symptoms. Ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch your inhaler technique because poor coordination or an unsuitable device can reduce medicine reaching the lungs. Use a spacer when prescribed, and rinse your mouth after a corticosteroid inhaler.

Do not stop or reduce controller treatment on your own when you feel better. Arrange a review if cough, wheeze, night waking, activity limits, or reliever use increases. The clinician can check triggers, adherence, technique, and whether the treatment plan needs adjustment.

Controller medicine does not replace emergency action during severe breathing symptoms. Follow your asthma action plan and seek emergency help for rapidly worsening breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, confusion, exhaustion, or poor response to the prescribed reliever. Seek prompt advice for troublesome hoarseness, mouth soreness, or other suspected medicine effects.

Confirm which inhaler controls inflammation, which provides rapid relief, how each fits the action plan, and what to do after a missed dose. Ask how to clean the device, recognise when it is empty, and reduce local effects in the mouth and throat.