Allergy testing may also be helpful in identifying allergens in patients with persistent asthma. Common allergens include: pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, and pollens. Common respiratory irritants include: tobacco smoke, pollution, and fumes from burning wood or gas.

A variety of medications for treatment of asthma are available. These include:

• Long-term control (anti-inflammatory ) medications, which are used on a regular basis to prevent attacks, not for treatment during an attack.
  • inhaled corticosteroids (Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, Flovent)
  • leoukotriene inhibitors (Singulair, Accolate)
  • long-acting bronchodilators (famoterol, Serevent)
  • cromolyn sodium (Intal) or nedocromil sodium
  • aminophylline or theophylline
  • combination anti-inflammatory/bronchodilator (Advair diskus)
• Short-term control medications, which are used to relieve symptoms during an attack.
  • short-acting bronchodilators (Proventil, Alupent, Bronkosol, and others)
  • oral or intravenous corticosteroids (such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone) for stabilizing severe episodes

People with mild asthma (infrequent attacks) may use inhalers as needed. Those with significant asthma (symptoms occurring more than twice per week) should take anti-inflammatory medications on a regular basis for long-term control. A severe asthma attack requires a medical evaluation and may require hospitalization, oxygen, and intravenous medications.

A peak flow meter, a simple device to measure lung volume, can be used at home daily to check on lung functions. This often helps determine when medication is needed or can be tapered in the case of an exacerbation of symptoms. Peak flow values of 50-80% of an individual's personal best indicate a moderate asthma exacerbation, while values below 50% indicate a severe exacerbation.

Prognosis

There is no cure for asthma, though symptoms sometimes decrease over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

Complications

• respiratory fatigue
• pneumothorax
• death
• side effects of the medication used

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child experience mild asthma symptoms (to discuss treatment options).

Call your health care provider (or go to the emergency room) for moderate shortness of breath (shortness of breath with talking, peak flow 50-80% of personal best), if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or an attack requires more medication than recommended in the prescription.

Go to the emergency room for severe shortness of breath (shortness of breath at rest, peak flow less than 50% of personal best), if drowsiness or confusion develops, or for severe chest pain.

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