What should you know about chronic asthma treatment?

A controller inhaler is often used regularly to reduce airway inflammation, while a reliever inhaler is used according to the plan for sudden symptoms. The right treatment depends on symptom pattern, lung assessment, age, other conditions, and inhaler technique. Allergic Rhinitis or House Dust Mite Allergy may need attention when allergies aggravate breathing. Treatment is reviewed over time rather than chosen from symptoms alone.

Take controller medicine on the schedule prescribed, even when breathing feels settled, unless your clinician changes the plan. Learn the correct inhaler steps and ask whether a spacer is suitable. Keep medicines available, record flare-ups and triggers, and follow your written action plan. Avoid smoke and manage known irritants. Never increase, stop, or share inhalers without medical advice; frequent reliever use signals that the plan may need review.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, drowsiness, faintness, or symptoms that do not improve with the prescribed reliever plan. Contact your clinician promptly if night symptoms, wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or activity limits are increasing. Nebuliser Treatment may be used in some urgent settings, but it is not a substitute for an individual action plan.

Ask which inhaler is the controller, which is the reliever, how long each should be used, and how you will judge control. Ask for a technique check, a written worsening plan, and advice about exercise, travel, allergies, and other medicines.