- Beta-2 agonists are the most common form of treatment for asthma and are administered with either a nebulizer that delivers the drug in a burst of spray into the lungs or through an inhaler that must be taken hourly. If taken on a regular basis, beta-2 agonists will prevent the most serious of asthma symptoms from surfacing. If being treated with an inhaler, use your inhaler whenever you feel short of breath.
- Corticosteroids are steroid treatments given to people experiencing asthma attacks and are administered intravenously or as injections for adults. These steroids are administered within the first hour of a serious asthma attack and are used to reduce the risk of hospitalization. Dosage size in unimportant, as lower dosages are just as effective as higher ones with this particular treatment option. Please see a medical professional before using corticosteroids.
- In order to prevent asthma attacks at home, it is important to avoid allergens and follow your doctor's orders about drug treatments. Follow the written action plan your doctor gave you to understand how he expects you to deal with your symptoms. If you understand your unique asthma symptoms, it will go a long way toward ensuring that the ailment is controlled and that severe attacks are avoided.
- Antibiotics are not useful in preventing asthma attacks in someone who has no bacterial infection. It is common for viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu, to cause an asthma attack. However, when this is the case, antibiotics show no healing abilities and may hurt the person's health.
