Drug treatment of asthma

The basic treatment of asthma
These are medications taken daily over a long period. The objective of DMARDs is to reduce the frequency of occurrence of asthma attacks.

It stands out as DMARDs main

* Anti-inflammatory inhaled (inhaled corticosteroids)
* Bronchodilators long-acting inhaled (long-acting inhaled bêta2agonistes)
* The leukotriene receptor antagonists oral

Note that inhaled corticosteroids are the drugs most currently used in the treatment of asthma.

The treatment of acute asthma
These are drugs taken "on demand", which act quickly on the symptoms of asthma, as soon as they appear, eg prevention or before exercise.

Are distinguished as main treatments:

* Bronchodilators fast action: they are taken most often by inhalation, more rarely by oral or injectable
* Anti-inflammatory drugs (systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of acute severe asthma)
* Anticholinergic bronchodilator (inhalation suspensions, solutions for inhalation)
* Theophylline and its derivatives (immediate release or extended forms rectal, oral or injectable)

Note that the Beta2-agonists are fast-acting drugs of choice for relief of broncho-constriction induced by the asthma itself, but also bronchoconstriction induced by exercise.

The non-drug treatment of asthma

Treatment 'physical' asthma is one element of the management of the patient, and is supported by the Social Security agencies.
It allows, particularly in children, to control the expiration and achieve good drainage of bronchial secretions. This treatment involves physical therapy, during which the child learns to control his breath to control his breathing during the best times of crisis.

The role of patient / therapeutic education of adults and adolescents
Asthma is the group of diseases in which participation of the patient's treatment is required, and its accession to treatment is very important to increase the chances of success.

The patient's role in the observance of his treatment is now increasingly recognized as essential. Experts estimate that asthma can be well treated if the patient participates actively in his treatment.

For this he must be educated in the hospital or doctor's office to assume independently manage preventive and curative of his illness. It appears, for example, that more than half of patients do not handle correctly the conventional inhalers.
Patient groups, as well as doctors and pharmacists insist more and more for the asthmatic patient become aware of their role, and act effectively to improve its condition:

* Learning to better use its drug
* Adopting a lifestyle that promotes good condition and avoid as much as possible contributing factors.

For example, it is strongly recommended to a person with asthma not to smoke. Indeed, smoking not only increases the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, but it also reduces the effectiveness of treatments (particularly corticosteroids).