Asthma medicine is an important part of many treatment regimens.Generally speaking, asthma medicine can be divided into two categories: controller medicines, which prevent attacks, and rescue medicines, which treat attacks while they are occuring. It is best to consult with a doctor to find out what medicine is right for you. Controller medicines are a type of medicine that reduces the swelling of the airways to stave off attacks. This kind of medicine includes inhaled corticosteroids, such as Azmacort, Aerobid, and Flovent; cromolyn or Intal, and nedocromil or Tilade. Newer medicine, known as anti-leukotrienes, can also be used to combat attacks. This medicine goes by names such as montelukast or Singulair, zafirlukast or Accolate, and zileuton or Zyflo. It is important to take this kind of medicine on a regular basis, not just when you're experiencing symptoms. Meanwhile, rescue medicines are a type of medicine that enables the muscles around the airways to relax, encouraging the airways to open. This medicine includes inhaled bronchdilators such as Brethine, Proventil, and Tornalate. These forms of medicine can be used regularly or just when symptoms arise. Some medicine is taken with a metered-dose inhaler. But many patients do not know how to take this medicine properly. Proper usage of an asthma medicine inhaler involves holding the inhaler upright, shaking the canister, and pressing down on the inhaler to release the asthma medicine as you slowly breathe in. There are times when, despite your use of medicine, your symptoms appear to be getting worse. If you know that you are taking your medicine properly but you've been experiencing night-time symptoms, be sure to check with your physician. You should get help right away if your rescue medicine does not relieve your symptoms. Also, if your peak flow continues to decrease after taking your medicine or decreases below 50 percent of your best reading, immediate steps should be taken. If you have trouble breathing, your medicine should be adjusted. Asthma medicine is a modern miracle. Taken as directed, medicine can improve the quality of life for both adults and children. The important thing is to stay in constant contact with your doctor to find out what does and doesn't work, as far as medicine is concerned.
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