The nose and sinuses will also be examined for infections. A spirometer, which measures the amount of air exhaled, is used to determine how obstructed the airways are. Allergy skin testing is often done to identify triggers to be avoided or reduced. There is no cure for asthma, but there are extremely effective, safe treatments, including medications and environmental controls. For allergy-induced asthma, immunotherapy is often used.
Corticosteroids are very effective anti-inflammatories and can be taken by inhaler or orally.
Concerns about corticosteroids stunting growth are much less common today because new medications, like Flovent, are not heavily absorbed by the body and work well in very low doses. Oral corticosteroids are typically prescribed for severe asthma symptoms, but their long-term use is not recommended because they have more negative side effects than the inhaled type. Inhalers are often taken daily as part of an ongoing asthma control plan. They are available as inhalers, liquids, pills or injections. Anti-leukotriene medications block or counteract leuokotrienes, potent chemicals that cause contractions of the airway's smooth muscle, increasing inflammation.