Asthma Care Center

Treating asthma

There are many ways to treat asthma. Not everyone with asthma will have the same treatment plan. It’s important to develop your treatment plan with your doctor.

Most people who have asthma need 2 types of medicine:

  1. A long-term or controller medicine that you use every day. This helps manage your asthma to prevent an asthma attack.
  2. A rescue or quick-relief medicine for when their asthma symptoms get worse.

Your doctor might also prescribe allergy medicines or allergy shots.

Many asthma medicines are inhalers. It’s important to use your inhaler exactly as your doctor tells you. Young children may need to use spacers attached to their inhalers. To see how to use an inhaler the right way, watch these videos from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be sure to also talk to your doctor about the right way for you to use your asthma medicines.

It’s important follow everyday healthy habits, especially people with chronic diseases like asthma.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Other resources

  • Symptoms and triggers — Asthma is a common condition. Understand the signs, symptoms and triggers
  • Find a Provider  — Select providers from our skilled and extensive network.
  • Tests and exams  — Find out which tests and exams are important for adults or children with asthma.
  • Treating asthma — Inhalers are a common method of treating asthma. Learn how to use one properly.
  • Everyday healthy habits — Here's what you can do every day to take steps toward better health.