Asthma Treatments and Procedures

Although asthma may be a lifelong condition, you can manage and control it. The asthma specialists in the Sutter Health network work with you to develop a treatment plan that identifies your asthma triggers, fits your lifestyle and helps you reduce symptoms. We also offer a self-guided, online asthma management class, with videos and handouts on a wide variety of asthma topics.

Treatment plans vary from person to person and may include a mix of therapies, procedures and medications. Your doctor will prescribe asthma medications based on your age, symptoms, severity of your asthma and possible side effects.

Remember, your lungs do not get stronger or better at dealing with asthma if you "tough out" an attack without medication. Always take your medications as prescribed, and if you have any questions or side effects, call your doctor.

Controller Medications

Controller medications — also called long-term control medications or maintenance medications – prevent asthma symptoms from happening by preventing airway inflammation.

You take them daily, and they can be inhaled or swallowed, as a pill or liquid. Options include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Combination inhalers: Corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common controller medications, usually given through an inhaler or nebulizer. They are not the same steroid drugs used by some athletes – corticosteroids are a safe and proven form of asthma treatment.

Rescue Medications

Asthma rescue medications, or quick-relief medicines, quickly open up and help relax the muscles of your airways when you’re having trouble breathing or an asthma attack.

The most prescribed rescue medications are bronchodilators, which are usually given through an inhaler or nebulizer.

Short-acting Beta-agonists are also common rescue medications that are typically used right before exercising to help prevent asthma symptoms.

If you use rescue medications twice a week or more, you may need to have your medication routine changed. Ask your doctor.

Biologic Therapy

Your doctor may recommend anti-IgE (biologic) therapy if you have moderate to severe allergic asthma with persistent symptoms despite taking controller medications. Anti-IgE therapy complements your medication treatment plan but does not replace it.

When you are exposed to allergens, they cause an inflammation in your lungs that then cause your asthma symptoms. Anti-IgE therapy stops your asthma symptoms before they begin by blocking the antibody immunoglobulin E, which prevents inflammation from happening.

For this therapy, your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you an injection once every two to four weeks. The dosage and frequency of treatment will depend on your IgE blood level and weight.

Bronchial Thermoplasty

This incision-free, minimally invasive procedure was developed for treating severe persistent asthma. Bronchial thermoplasty takes place over three sessions, and each session is about one hour long.

During each session, a small, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through your nose or mouth. It is guided to your lungs and airways, where it places and expands a catheter to reduce airway smooth muscle. Your airways’ ability to tighten and cause an asthma attack is reduced when there is less muscle.

After having bronchial thermoplasty, some patients have shown improved asthma control, fewer severe asthma attacks, fewer visits to Emergency Departments, and fewer missed school and/or work days.

Helpful Resources:

• How to use a Metered-dose Inhaler (PDF) when your spacer isn't available
• How to use a DISKUS Inhaler (PDF)
• Maximizing Your Asthma Care
• Asthma Check-Up Questionnaire (PDF)