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Daily Medicine Used to Control Asthma Symptoms

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KEY POINTS

  • Controller medicines help prevent asthma attacks and control your symptoms.
  • This medicine is taken every day, even when your child is not having symptoms.
  • Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
  • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.

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What is this medicine used for?

Controller medicines help prevent asthma attacks and control your child’s symptoms. When a steroid inhaler is used with certain medicines such as formoterol, your child gets both rapid relief and control. This medicine is taken every day, even when your child is not having symptoms. It is called a controller medicine because when it is taken regularly every day, it helps to control symptoms. There are several kinds of controller medicines for asthma.

For acute attacks, your child will need a different type of medicine. Rescue inhalers, also called reliever or quick relief medicines, act quickly to reduce symptoms.

Asthma symptoms are caused by two different problems in the airways:

  • One problem is that the tiny muscles around the airways tighten up, which causes shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and sometimes chest tightness.
  • The other problem is redness, swelling, irritation, and too much mucus in the airways.

If your child has asthma, symptoms often start after your child is exposed to a trigger. Asthma triggers can include:

  • Exercise and other physical activity
  • Allergies such as dust, pollen, mold, or animal dander
  • Something that irritates the lungs such as cold air, smoke, or strong smells such as paint, soap, candles, or perfume
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
  • An infection such as a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection
  • Strong emotions or stress
  • Indigestion or heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If your child often has problems with indigestion you may have more asthma symptoms, especially while lying down.

Try to limit your child’s contact with these triggers, especially in places where your child spends a lot of time such as at home and school or work. Your child should keep a rescue inhaler with him or her at all times in case your child has an asthma attack.

Asthma symptoms come and go throughout the day or week and get better with medicine.

How does it work?

Controller medicines reduce swelling and relax the muscles of the airways. When the airway muscles are more relaxed, your child will have fewer symptoms and be able to breathe better.

Controller medicines can be taken in different ways:

  • A hand-held device, such as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler, is small and easy to carry. The inhaler helps send the medicine directly to your child’s lungs as your child takes a deep breath. Some inhalers may need a spacer. A spacer is a small tube or bag that holds the medicine while your child breathes it in to the lungs.
  • A nebulizer is an electrically powered machine that you can use at home, or if battery operated, anywhere. Medicine is mixed with liquid and the machine forms a mist. Your child breathes in the mist to help get the medicine in to the lungs.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

  • Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine, including information about food. Ask for written information to take home. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need information in a different language or larger type.
  • Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
  • If possible, have your child brush teeth and rinse his or her mouth with clear water after taking this medicine. The water your child rinses with should be spit out.
  • Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
  • Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. Tell your child's healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and supplements your child takes.
  • Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if your child has side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

Developed by Change Healthcare.
Pediatric Advisor 2022.1 published by Change Healthcare.
Last modified: 2022-01-03
Last reviewed: 2021-06-15
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2022 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries
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