| My doctor prescribed two inhalers for asthma – one for daily use and one to use when I have symptoms. Why should I use an inhaler when I am not having trouble breathing? | |
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Asthma involves a chronic inflammatory process of the airways in the lungs. Airway inflammation (twitchy, irritated, and swollen airways) is present even when symptoms (cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath) are not present; it takes less of a trigger to cause symptoms when the airways are inflamed.
Consequently, asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines - "controller" medicine used daily and "quick-relief" medicine taken when symptoms occur. Your daily inhaler decreases airway inflammation making it less likely that you will have breakthrough symptoms. It is important that you treat airway inflammation daily reducing the need for quick-relief medicine. "Controller" medicines are usually taken once or twice daily and should be left at home; however, always carry your quick-relief inhaler in your purse or pocket. |
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