Living Well With Asthma | Page 15

Understanding Your Asthma Medicines Asthma medications play a central role in your treatment plan. Some prevent or reduce airway inflammation (often called controller medicines); others interrupt the allergic reaction that triggers symptoms; and even others relieve the coughing and wheezing, making it easier to breathe. These last medicines are called bronchodilators, either quick-relief, to be used as soon as symptoms appear, or long-acting, taken daily to prevent symptoms. Your health-care provider will work with you to find the right combination of medicines to manage your asthma, and will adjust the type and amount based on your symptoms and control. The goal of asthma treatment is to help you feel your best with the least amount of medicine. 13