The rise and rise of asthma
Box 1 | Treatment options
Treatment for asthma is mainly by medication. The drugs used are divided into two broad types: preventers and relievers.
Preventers can stop the airways becoming obstructed. They do this by preventing the inner lining from becoming inflamed and from producing too much mucus. These medicines are therefore called anti-inflammatory agents. Most are corticosteroids (or steroids for short). They must be used carefully because they can cause side-effects. Another type of preventer called cromolyn (or disodium cromoglycate) stops the cells lining the airways from reacting to allergens.
Relievers are a different class of drug. They are designed to relieve the symptoms once an attack is underway. They can also be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma. The majority are called bronchodilators because they dilate the airways. They do this by making the muscles around the airways relax. There are many different types. Most are inhaled so that they reach the airways immediately.
Peak-flow meters
The peak-flow meter is a way of measuring how the airways are performing. If the peak-flow reading is lower than usual, it is a sign that the airways are becoming partly blocked. In this way the asthmatic can monitor whether extra medication or a visit to the doctor is necessary.
Careful and regular use of the prescribed medication is important in asthma. In 2006, 402 Australians died from the disease, but many deaths can be prevented. Of course, an important part of asthma management is to avoid situations that are known to bring on attacks wherever possible. That is the best medicine of all.
Box
Box 2. Australian research
Related sites
Asthma Management Handbook 2006 (National Asthma Council, Australia)
Asthma medications (Kids with asthma, Australia)
Page updated February 2010.