Asthma: Treatment

Abstract

Treatment of a chronic disease such as asthma involves different aspects, and recommendations must be oriented individually, highlighting different times of the day and seasons of the year, as well as different activities. For treatment to be successful, parents must have some general knowledge of asthma, as well as measures that may contribute to reduce symptoms, besides avoiding common triggers. Using an appropriate, it is possible to control asthma symptoms and reduce the number of asthma exacerbations. Treatment for exacerbation includes inhaled bronchodilators and systemic steroids early during the course to reduce hospitalization risk. Long-term asthma treatment must be proportionate to the significance of the disease and must consider identification of individual triggers, anticipation of exacerbation, and regular monitoring of pharmacological treatment. Treatment must be focused on improving symptoms, lung function, and quality of life and preventing exacerbations. It has been well established that treatment with inhaled steroids is the treatment of choice for most patients who have a persistent asthma. Long-acting bronchodilators in combination with steroids are an alternative for combined therapy with leukotriene antagonists.