![]() Your doctor may prescribe a combination inhaler when inhaled steroids alone aren't keeping your child's asthma controlled. LABAs are similar to albuterol in that they work quickly to open up the airway, but they last much longer. Combination i nhalers contain both corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators, also known as long-acting beta agonists (LABA).However, your child's doctor may recommend another type of controller medication instead based on your child's specific needs. When used in the recommended dose, inhaled steroids are safe for most children. Inhaled corticosteroids work by treating the inflammation in your child's lungs, which helps reduce asthma attacks.How many asthma attacks your child has and how severe they are also determine whether they need a controller medication.Įxamples of controller medications include: Children who have symptoms more than twice per week or who wake up more than twice per month should be on controller medications. These medications are not used for relief of symptoms. Controller medicationsĬontroller medications are used on a daily basis to control asthma and reduce the number of days or nights that your child has symptoms. Your child should have quick-relief medication available at home, school, and anywhere they are participating in sports.įor serious asthma attacks, your child may be given corticosteroids by mouth or injection to reduce inflammation inside the airways and speed recovery. They should be used for any asthma symptom, including wheezing, chest tightness, and cough, rather than just asthma attacks. These medications are taken only when your child needs them. The most commonly used quick-relief medication is albuterol. They can also be used to prevent exercise-induced asthma. They work rapidly to open up narrowed airways and help relieve the feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing, and breathlessness. Quick-relief medications are taken for short-term relief, usually either with an inhaler or a nebulizer. This can help you make decisions about changing therapy and track how changes made by your doctor affect your child.Īsthma medications are divided into two groups: Quick-relief medications and controller medications. The doctor may also recommend a peak flow meter for your child to use at home to monitor lung function. Your child's doctor may give them several medications at first to get their asthma symptoms under control, and then decrease the medications as needed. Sometimes, it's necessary to take several medications at the same time to control and prevent symptoms. If their symptoms occur more often, your child may need a controller medication. If your child has asthma symptoms that occur only occasionally, they'll be given medications for short periods. Your child's doctor will determine which asthma medication is best based on how severe and how often your child has symptoms, as well as your child's age. Which asthma medicine does my child need?Īsthma is different in every person, and symptoms can change over time. Note: Inhaled forms are preferred because they deliver the medication directly to your child's air passages with minimal side effects. And, most importantly, your child should be able to participate in all play, sports, and physical education activities.Īsthma medications come in a variety of forms, including: Also, asthma symptoms should not wake them at night more than twice per month. ![]() Ideally, when asthma is well controlled, your child should not experience asthma symptoms more than once or twice per week. It is also important to prevent emergency department visits and hospitalizations from asthma attacks. If your child has asthma, the goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms so they can participate in normal physical activities.
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