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Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants and controlling symptoms and airway inflammation through medication. Allergens can sometimes be identified by noting which substances cause an allergic reaction.
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Allergy testing may also be helpful in identifying allergens in patients with persistent asthma. Common allergens include: pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, and pollens. Common respiratory irritants include: tobacco smoke, pollution, and fumes from burning wood or gas.
There are two basic kinds of medication for the treatment of asthma:
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Long-term control medications -- used on a regular basis to prevent attacks, not for treatment during an attack.
- inhaled steroids (Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, Flovent) prevent inflammation
- leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair, Accolate)
- long-acting bronchodilators (Foradil, Serevent) help open airways
- cromolyn sodium (Intal) or nedocromil sodium
- aminophylline or theophylline (not used as frequently as in the past)
- combination of anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator, using either separate inhalers or a single inhaler (Advair Diskus)
- anti-IgE therapy (Xolair), a new injection treatment used in patients with more severe asthma
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Quick relief (rescue) medications -- used to relieve symptoms during an attack.
- short-acting bronchodilators (Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, and others)
- oral or intravenous corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone) stabilize severe episodes
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