Asthma is a lifelong disease that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma attacks can be painful, frightening and dangerous. To prevent these attacks, your doctor should make sure that you get the right combination of medications for your asthma and that you know when and how to use them properly.
If you have asthma, you and your doctor should develop an asthma action plan that includes a combination of prescription medicines. Your doctor will prescribe medicines—called anti-inflammatories or controller drugs— that help reduce swelling in your lungs that may lead to asthma attacks. You should also be prescribed reliever drugs to use when you are having an asthma attack. Relievers help reduce wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The doctor should also help you learn how to avoid triggers that can bring on an asthma attack such as tobacco smoke, mold, pet dander, and outdoor air pollution.
Talk with your doctor and health plan to find out about what other services are available. Many medical groups offer additional support and resources for patients with asthma. These additional services may be educational materials (online and in print), classes or support groups, or phone counseling.