Asthma medications are vital in the control of your asthma. Knowing how your asthma medication works will help you understand the importance of why you need to take your medication regularly.

• Types of asthma medication
• Medication delivery services
  
  

• Bronchodilators     
  

  Example: Salbutamol Terbutaline Fenoterol Ipratropium bromide Theophyllines

  often referred to as ‘relievers’ because they relieve the symptoms of asthma quickly act by relaxing and opening up the airways used mainly when symptoms occur (e.g. wheezing) does not modify the underlying cause of the disease and will not prevent the next asthma attack advisable to carry a reliever medication at all times since asthma attacks are unpredictable

  
  
  
• Anti- inflammatories
  

  Example: Beclomethasone dipropionate Fluticasone propionate Sodium cromoglycate Leukotriene modifiers Corticosteroids

  often referred to as ‘controllers’ or ‘preventers’ makes the airways less sensitive to triggers and irritants in the environment reduces the swelling in the airways and also decreases mucus production does not provide immediate relief but helps prevent asthma attacks from starting controllers are to be taken daily on a long-term basis to prevent frequent attacks of asthma and to control  symptoms

B. Medication delivery devices

The inhaler device is the preferred route for the delivery of asthma medication. This is because it allows direct and faster delivery of the medication into the airways compared to oral medication. The likelihood of side effects is also reduced.

The  Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) is a small hand-activated device that quickly delivers a specific amount of medication into the lungs when inhaled through the mouth. Correct technique usually requires good hand-breath coordination.

Older persons may find it difficult to get the correct technique while using the MDI. In these cases, special hand-held chamber devices (spacers) are needed to deliver the medication. This device can be used to trap the dispensed medication from the inhaler so that it can be breathed in slowly.