Asthma Medications (Rescue and Controller)
Rescue Medications:
These medications are to be used ONLY while having asthma related symptoms and use them every 4-6 hours untill these symptoms resolve. The child or adult with history of asthma MUST have access to these medications at all times. This group includes medications used by nebulizer (Albuterol, Xopenex) and in the form of various inhalers (Albuterol HFA, ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Maxair Autohaler, Ventolin HFA, Xopenex).
Controller Medications:
These medications reduce asthma related inflammation in the lower airway and give the most benefit when used on a daily basis. Please use them EVERYDAY, as recommended, even when there are no asthma symptoms. This group includes the following common medications:
By nebulizer: Pulmicort / Budesonide
By mouth (ingestion): Singulair, Accolate, Zyflo, Theophylline
By Inhalation: Advair, Aerobid, Alvesco, Asmanex, Azmacort, Dulera, Flovent, Pulmicort, Qvar, Symbicort, etc.
The inhalation controller medications are delivered to the lungs via different types of inhalers, twisthalers, flexhalers and diskus. Some of them need to be used with a spacer. Please follow the instuctions we provided while explaining your device and its proper use.
We recommend to rinse the mouth and gargle the throat after using any of these controller inhalation medications. Please ask us to review the proper use of your daily medication and its device, if you are not sure for any reason. The proper use of controller medicine is very essential for long term improvement of asthma.
