DID YOU KNOW?

Rescue medicine is used in the critical case of an attack. Controller medicines are used for long-term control and prevention of asthma.

controller medicine

Controller medicine is just that: it gives you and your child daily control over asthma. Even when your child is feeling well, it is important to take a controller medicine as directed by your healthcare provider to prevent attacks or symptoms before they start. If your child takes a controller medicine regularly, it can help provide long-term control of their asthma so that you can both return to a more predictable and active life.

How does it work?

Asthma has two main components: airway inflammation and acute bronchoconstriction (tightening of the airways). Long-term controller medicines work to proactively reduce inflammation and prevent further inflammation. The most effective long-term control asthma medicines are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop airway inflammation. Bronchodilators can be used in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs.

What types of controller medicine are there?

Anti-inflammatory controller medicine

  • Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective medications to reduce airway inflammation. They can provide better control over your child's asthma with fewer symptoms and attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids can help prevent symptoms, yet should never be used to relieve symptoms. It is most likely that your child will have to take this medicine every day for best results, though doses may vary.
    You may be concerned about giving your child "steroids." Corticosteroids are NOT the same as anabolic steroids that some athletes take to build muscle. Corticosteroids are generally well-tolerated and often used in children to help reduce symptoms and attacks, decrease the use of rescue medicine, and improve lung function.
  • Mast cell stabilizers are another inhaled asthma medicine. They work in the body by preventing the release of histamine (and other inflammatory substances) from immune cells called mast cells. They are particularly effective in children with allergies and asthma, or with exercise-induced asthma, and have very few side effects. These medications need to be taken two to four times a day, and take three to four weeks to start working.
  • Leukotriene modifiers are chemicals that cause a tightening and inflammation of airway muscles and mucus production. Leukotrienes occur naturally in our bodies. Leukotriene modifier medicines work in the body by blocking the actions of these leukotrienes in order to improve airflow and avoid asthma symptoms and attacks.

Bronchodilator controller medicine

  • Long-acting beta 2-agonists are also used to provide better control of a child's asthma.
  • They should always be used with inhaled corticosteroids. Although these drugs are not for quick relief, the benefits can last up to 12 hours. This is particularly helpful overnight and for treating nocturnal asthma. As they work up to 12 hours, they are often taken twice a day to maintain the open airways for long-term control.
  • Combination therapy is generally the combination of a long-acting beta 2-agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid together in one delivery system.

When should it be used?

Controller medicine is used for the long-term control of your child's asthma as it helps prevent asthma symptoms. It's likely that your child will have to take a controller medicine every day, but be sure to speak to your child's healthcare provider for appropriate use.. Controller medicine should not be used to treat an asthma attack. In this case, rescue medication should be used.

Talk to your healthcare provider if:

  • Your child is not currently on any controller medicine.
  • You feel his or her controller medicine is not preventing attacks well enough.
  • Your child is taking any other medicine.
  • You have no rescue medicine on hand in case of an attack.

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