Asthma

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic inflammation and reactions to triggers narrow the airways in the lungs. Asthma can become life-threatening if it is not managed.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

• Bronchodilators open your airways and make it easier to breathe.
• Steroids reduce inflammation in your airways.
• Medicines may be used to help your body prevent allergic reactions that trigger your asthma.
• Antibiotics are sometimes used to help control asthma.

Monitoring:

• Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen level in your blood.
• Blood tests check for infection, measure oxygen levels, and show how well your kidneys are working.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Lung function tests measure airflow in your lungs and show how well your lungs are working.
• A chest x-ray will check for other lung problems.

Treatment:

• IV fluids help prevent dehydration.
• Oxygen may be given if the level of oxygen in your blood gets too low.
• A ventilator is a machine that gives you oxygen and breathes for you when you cannot breathe well on your own.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• montelukast
• Nucala
• Xolair
• Dupixent
• Dulera

View more treatment options

RISKS:

You may be at an increased risk for a collapsed lung, a lung infection, or other lung problems.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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