How to Use Singulair to Treat Asthma

The new-generation asthma drugs provide daily internal control of asthma sensitivities, which form the basis of this chronic disease of the lungs. Rather than treating crisis symptoms when an asthma attack is already underway, drugs like Singulair manage asthma conditions daily. Stabilizing the respiratory system before an asthma emergency is believed to be a more comprehensive form of treatment. Singulair is an oral tablet option among other effective inhaled and injected medications.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Asthma diagnosis from a health care practitioner
• Prescription for Singulair
• Asthma action plan
• Rescue inhaler

Diagnose Your Asthma

1. See a doctor when you've had repeated episodes of coughing and wheezing or acute difficulty breathing. A physician will ask you questions about your environment and habits, and give you lung-capacity tests to determine whether you have asthma.

2. Talk to your doctor about what sets off your asthma "attacks." These clues will indicate what type of lung condition you have and what the best possible prescription medication may be to treat it.

3. Determine which allergies may heighten your risk for a full-blown asthma attack. You may have to have more tests, but these will help determine your suitability for Singulair or another drug.

4. Create an asthma action plan with your doctor to integrate the use of Singulair and other medications with lifestyle choices, and to prepare for an emergency situation.

Manage Your Asthma

1. Treat your asthma with the use of Singulair tablets, taken according to package directions. This is generally once per day, in the evening.

2. Use a rescue inhaler in conjunction with Singulair when necessary. Take the Singulair at the normal time, and treat any overt symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath with the rescue inhaler, according to your doctor's and the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Notice how you respond to Singulair. Be sure to check back in with your doctor should the effectiveness of the drug change or should you experience side effects. Some side effects are sore throat or upper respiratory infection, which may increase your asthma risk.

Tips & Warnings

• Singulair comes in oral tablets of varying strengths or granules that can be mixed with certain soft foods.

• Singulair is approved for use by children 12 months and up to treat asthma and/or allergies.

• Singulair works distinctly at prevention and is not a substitute for a fast-acting bronchodilator, or rescue inhaler.

• To work properly in the body, Singulair must be taken every day, according to directions, regardless of whether you are having symptoms or not.

• You may not be able to take Singulair safely if you become pregnant or are nursing. Check with your doctor.