Asthma medications are commonly categorized into quick-relief medicines and long-term controllers.  Keep a quick-relief medicine with you at all times.  Take controller medicines, as prescribed, even when you are not having symptoms.

Learn the correct technique for using an inhaled medicine.  Note that the technique is not necessarily the same for all inhalers so each patient has to master the inhalation technique(s) that apply.

Over-the-counter asthma inhalers are not recommended.

Oral asthma medications are available in the reliever and preventive categories.

Allergic rhinitis medicines include prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays that are used for long-term control rather than quick relief.  An antihistamine and an anticholinergic nasal spray also are available by prescription.  Mastering the correct technique for using nasal sprays keeps the medicine from running out of the nose or down the back of the throat. 

Most non-drowsy oral antihistamines are available by prescription; some are available over-the-counter.  Some are combined with a decongestant for treating a stuffy nose while antihistamine alone treats nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose.

Even OTC medicines have precautions and should not be taken if certain medical conditions exist; some should not be taken with certain prescriptions, other OTC medications, or with alcohol. Your pharmacist is a good resource when choosing over-the-counter medicines to treat nasal and eye symptoms. 

Limit use of over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays so that rebound symptoms do not make your nasal condition worse.  Products such as Afrin give quick relief, but should not be used chronically. 

Contacting us

Please CALL our office (828-322-1275 or 1-800-432-5015) if you or your child is a patient at Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, and 
1.  you have a question about your medical care.
2.  you are reporting or asking about symptoms. 
3.  you have a question about your medicines or need a refill. 
4.  you have a question about your account.
5.  you wish to schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment.

For problems or questions regarding this web site contact [Email].

If you have a general allergy or asthma related question, address that to haac@wheezy.com.  We answer e-mailed questions periodically, but not necessarily daily.  

Date last updated:  July 14, 2008
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