Management – Medication
An asthma action plan should be used to document the long-term use of asthma
medication and how this should change depending on asthma severity. The plan
should be reviewed on a regular basis.
Medications for allergic rhinitis
It is difficult to optimally control asthma symptoms if there is associated
untreated allergic rhinitis. Treatment options include:
- Topical nasal corticosteroids – these are the most effective long term
medication for allergic rhinitis.53
<LEI> When used in patients with concurrent
asthma and allergic rhinitis, they may improve the control of asthma and
lessen the need for medication.
- Non-sedating antihistamines – these are also useful for treating
symptoms of allergic rhinitis and are safe in people with asthma.
Medications that may aggravate asthma
- Some prescribed and over the counter medications such as aspirin (ASA),
NSAIDs and beta blockers.
- So-called natural treatments such as Echinacea and royal jelly can
precipitate life-threatening anaphylaxis in predisposed individuals with
asthma.
