Methods of Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects many people worldwide. Due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, patients struggle with breathing difficulties, but thanks to advancements in modern medicine, treatment options have significantly expanded. Today, there are numerous effective medications available that can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.

For asthma patients, selecting the appropriate treatment is essential, as different approaches are required depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s age. It is important for patients not to feel restricted in their daily lives, as most can live full lives with proper treatment. Progress can be observed not only in medications but also in understanding the disease and educating patients.

Treatment Options for Asthma

Modern asthma treatment encompasses a wide range of medications that act in various ways on the disease. The primary goal for asthma patients is to achieve long-term symptom control, which can be accomplished with the right combination of medications. Doctors typically categorize treatments into three groups: maintenance, rescue, and allergy medications.

The goal of maintenance treatment is to reduce chronic symptoms and prevent attacks. This requires regular use of medications. Rescue medications provide quick relief for breathing difficulties and offer immediate relief during asthma attacks. In cases of allergic asthma, specific medications help reduce the effects of allergens on the body.

Maintenance treatments include inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce airway inflammation with their anti-inflammatory effects. These medications, such as fluticasone and budesonide, provide long-term solutions and also help decrease the frequency of attacks. Long-acting beta-2 receptor agonists can be used in combination with corticosteroids, as they dilate the airways.

Medications Used for Maintenance Treatment

During maintenance treatment, patients typically use inhaled corticosteroids, which are the most common and effective medications for asthma management. These drugs directly affect airway inflammation, reducing bronchial swelling and mucus production. Research indicates that long-term use of corticosteroids does not lead to significant side effects and can be safely used over extended periods.

Long-acting beta-2 agonists, such as salmeterol and formoterol, also play an important role in maintenance treatment. These medications aid breathing by dilating the bronchi and are particularly used to prevent nighttime attacks. It is important to note that these medications are not sufficient on their own for asthma treatment and must always be combined with corticosteroids.

Leukotriene antagonists, such as montelukast, can also be effective in reducing inflammation and are particularly used for exercise-induced asthma. These medications are available in tablet form and can be used even for young children.

Rescue Medications

Rescue medications play a key role in providing rapid relief during asthma attacks. These drugs, such as short-acting beta-2 agonists, act within minutes and provide immediate relief for patients. Salbutamol, for example, is extremely popular in asthma treatment as it quickly alleviates breathing difficulties.

These medications should not be used regularly; if someone needs them more than twice a week, it may be worth reconsidering the maintenance treatment and adjusting it with a doctor. With a well-managed maintenance treatment, the use of rescue medications can generally be minimized. Treatment of acute asthma attacks requires medical supervision, as these conditions can be life-threatening.

In addition to short-acting bronchodilators, combination medications such as ipratropium-albuterol are also available, which quickly relieve symptoms. Systemic or intravenous corticosteroids are used for more severe attacks, although their long-term use can lead to significant side effects.

Treatment According to Asthma Severity

The effectiveness of asthma treatment greatly depends on the severity of the disease. According to the latest guidelines, flexible treatment based on symptoms is the most appropriate approach. In the mildest form of asthma, it may be sufficient to use short-acting bronchodilators as needed; however, recent recommendations suggest that inhaled corticosteroids may be warranted even at the slightest symptoms.

In the second step, patients should receive regular anti-inflammatory therapy, which includes a combination of corticosteroids and short-acting bronchodilators as needed. If symptoms cannot be adequately controlled, the dose of corticosteroids should be increased, and if that is not sufficient, a long-acting bronchodilator should be introduced.

In cases of the most severe asthma, where a patient requires steroids multiple times a year, innovative therapies such as anti-IgE or anti-eosinophil treatments are available. These modern therapies can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and help even those with the most severe asthma.

Treatment of Allergic Asthma

Since most asthma patients are allergic, reducing the concentration of allergens in their environment is crucial. IgE-targeting monoclonal antibodies, such as omalizumab, can be useful in cases of severe allergic asthma, especially when combination therapy is insufficient. These antibodies affect the reactivity of the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation and breathing difficulties.

The latest biological therapies, such as mepolizumab and benralizumab, are also well-suited for treating severe eosinophilic asthma, as they reduce the number of cells that cause asthma-related inflammation. The availability of such treatments represents a significant advancement in asthma management and can improve patients’ quality of life.

Effective treatment of the disease requires close collaboration between the patient and the doctor, as well as ongoing education for the patient. Patients need to be aware of their condition and recognize when they need rescue medication. An asthma nurse can provide significant assistance in mastering the correct use of inhalers, ensuring effective treatment and symptom control. Thus, asthma management is the result of collaboration among patients, doctors, and nurses, aiming for the best quality of life for patients.