With each new breath, the person can take in only a little more air, so breathing becomes shallow and takes more and more effort. Asthma attacks can be caused by allergies to pollen, dust, pets or other things, but people without known allergies may also have asthma. Exercise, stress, intense emotions, exposure to cold, certain medicines and some medical conditions also can bring on attacks. The two main approaches to dealing with asthma are avoiding substances and situations that trigger attacks and using medicines that treat or prevent the symptoms. With a combination of the two, most people with asthma can find relief and live normal lives.
Bronchodilators relax the smooth muscles that line the airway.
This makes the airways open wider, letting more air pass through them. These drugs are used mainly to relieve sudden asthma attacks or to prevent attacks that might come on after exercise. They may be taken by mouth, injected or inhaled. Corticosteroids block the inflammation that narrows the airways. Used regularly, these drugs will help prevent asthma attacks.