When avoidance is impossible, preventive treatment is desirable. Various forms of preventive therapy are available. Medications may be started prior to exercise or exposure to environments that predictably produce an attack. If the asthma attacks are frequent or unpredictable, your allergist may advise you to take medications on a routine basis. Drugs used for this purpose include long-acting theophyllines, inhaled or oral beta agonists, cromolyn and inhaled or oral steroids.
Immunotherapy increases a patient's tolerance to the allergens that prompt asthma symptoms.
No, but emotions can worsen asthma. Panic can prevent an asthmatic from relaxing and following instructions properly, both of which are essential during an attack. Also, scientists have found that strong emotions can cause an asthmatic's bronchial tubes to constrict, which may provoke or worsen an attack. Asthma can cause emotional strain. Depression often sets in when asthmatics cannot participate in normal activities.