Asthma medication and the exact dosage of the same would depend on the patient’s age, symptoms, and the severity of the asthma attack.

1. Some facts about asthma and allergy medications
Asthma and allergy medications
manage the signs and symptoms of
asthma, such as shortness of
breath, coughing, and wheezing. The
type of asthma medication and the
exact dosage of the same would
depend on the patient’s
age, symptoms, and the severity of
the asthma attack. Patients are
advised to work in tandem with their
doctors to keep a track of the
changing signs and symptoms and
make the necessary changes in
medications.

2. Know about the different types of asthma medications
• Long term asthma medications to
control chronic symptoms and manage
severe asthma attacks
• Rescue medications to get short term
relief of the various symptoms
• Medications for asthma attacks induced
by allergies

3. Long term asthma medications
People with asthma need to take
long term medications, such as
anti-inflammatory drugs regularly
even when they are not showing
any symptoms. These medicines
work on the swelling and
tightening in the airways and are
administered to control moderate
to severe asthma and also prevent
the nighttime symptoms from
occurring.

4. Rescue medications or quick relief medications
These medicines prevent the
worsening of the symptoms
and can stop an asthma
attack by relaxing the airway
muscles. They start working
within minutes of being
administered and remain
effective for the next three
to six hours. These medicines
can be used to treat exercise
induced asthma.
However, they should not be
used more often than what is
being recommended by the
doctor.

5. Medications for asthma attacks induced by allergies
Allergy shots, antihistamines, and decongestants are often
administered to patients with allergic asthma to keep the
symptoms in check.
• Allergy shots: A series of injections containing small doses
of allergens are pushed once a week for a few months to
build up sensitivity to the allergens.
• Antihistamines and decongestants: These oral and nasal
sprays reduce inflammation without any side effects and
can be used for a long period of time.

6. What can someone do to keep asthma under control?
• Consult a doctor and carefully track
the symptoms and the side effects of
the asthma & allergy medication.
• Write a detailed plan on dealing with
long term solutions and also immediate
emergencies.
• Keep taking the prescribed
medications even when they are
feeling relatively well until otherwise
advised by their doctors.

7. Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 800-878-4403
Fax: 703-288-5271
Website: http://www.aanma.org/advocacy/meds-at-school/