Avoiding known irritants is key to controlling asthma. Avoid anything that one can see or smell in the air, especially cigarette smoke, dust, strong perfumes, and strong chemical odors, such as household cleaners. Many people with asthma also have allergies . Allergic reactions can trigger an asthma flare-up. Avoiding things that cause the allergies, called allergens, is important.
Many people continue to have asthma problems, even though they try to avoid irritants and allergens.
This is the first line of treatment after trigger avoidance. Established treatment guidelines recommend that anyone with persistent asthma be treated with an inhaled corticosteroid for long-term control. Inhaled corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, fluticasone, or beclomethasone, work in the lungs to help reduce inflammation. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, or hydrocortisone, are used for asthma control when significant inflammation is present. Use of these medications for a short period of time dramatically reduces inflammation and swelling.