Treatment of severe asthma will normally include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Pharmacological treatment (ie. medications), can take different forms including inhaled medication, oral medication and biologics. These may change and/or be used in combination throughout the course of your disease. It is important to follow all treatment plans as prescribed by your physician. Non-pharmacological treatment may include things such as avoiding exposure to tobacco and known allergens, following a healthy diet, physical activity and exercise, controlling other conditions/diseases and avoiding other environmental irritants and sensitizers.

There are two main types of inhaled medication:

• Inhaled Corticosteroids
• Inhaled Bronchodilators

Some oral medications used to treat asthma are include:

• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA)
• Oral corticosteroids
• Macrolides
• Other oral medications (not specific to asthma)

Biological therapy (biologics) are medications that are developed to target very specific molecules in the body that contribute to asthma and its symptoms.

Medications do not cure severe asthma – but they may help reduce the symptoms felt on a daily basis and reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups, if taken as directed by your doctor.

There are many ways in which you can learn about the treatments for severe asthma and how they can help you better live with this disease.

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