Asthma is a condition that affects millions of people across the world. It is characterized by inflammation and mucus in the lining of your airways, which can cause several unwanted symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble sleeping. It is critical to work with a medical doctor to get a diagnosis. From there, they can create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs. You may if inhalers are the only functional asthma treatments. Consider the following information as you navigate your asthma treatment journey.
Are There Asthma Treatments Other Than Inhalers?
Asthma impacts millions of people and causes several unwanted symptoms. Untreated asthma can make daily life difficult. Finding an asthma treatment plan that works for you is key. The most common treatment for asthma is an inhaler. However, there are several treatment options to choose from based on your unique needs. Inhalers are effective as they deliver asthma medication directly to the lungs to open the airways. Asthma is characterized by lung inflammation, which narrows your airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Inhalers are an effective way to address this.
There are two different types of inhalers. Rescue inhalers are used for quick relief during an asthma attack. Symptoms should subside right away with a rescue inhaler. On the other hand, controller inhalers are used daily as a preventative measure to keep asthma symptoms under control. Controller inhalers are also effective in preventing asthma attacks. Despite the benefits of inhalers, there are several treatment options available based on your specific symptoms.
Asthma Treatment Options
After your diagnosis, your asthma doctor in New York will work with you to create a customized treatment plan. This plan may include inhalers, but there are several other options. Consider the following treatment options to manage your asthma effectively.
Oral Medications
There are several oral medications used to treat asthma. They are either pills or liquids that are taken by mouth. Leukotriene modifiers, theophylline, and oral steroids are all common medications used in asthma treatment plans. They are each effective in providing support to your airways. They either reduce inflammation or help to open the airways.
Biologic Therapies
Biologics are a newer treatment method that has proven effective. They are given as injections or infusions. Common biologic therapies include omalizumab, mepolizumab, and bevacizumab. They are effective in targeting parts of the immune system to help control asthma symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
A major part of asthma treatment includes lifestyle changes. These changes can have a dramatic effect on your symptoms. Common lifestyle changes include eating a balanced diet and regularly exercising. It is also beneficial to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can exacerbate asthma symptoms. For those who smoke, focus on quitting because smoking can negatively impact your health and exacerbate asthma symptoms. Lastly, keep a diary of your triggers and avoid them. Each person has unique triggers, so it is necessary to find what yours are. Common triggers include smoke, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen.
Asthma Treatment Plan
The first step to improving your symptoms is to work with a skilled asthma doctor. They can provide an accurate diagnosis based on your symptoms by running a few tests and a physical exam. Untreated asthma can lead to serious health issues, but an early diagnosis can reduce your risk for other health issues.
After you are diagnosed, an asthma doctor can work with you to create a customized treatment plan. If you have symptoms of asthma, contact Dr. Mayank Shukla today to schedule an appointment!
