Asthma treatment is a growing field in the health care

community. Because so many people, particularly children, are

being diagnosed with the condition, a number of families are

looking for innovative asthma treatment programs. In general,

asthma treatment can be divided into two categories: long-term

control and quick-relief medications.

Long-term control medications must be taken each day as part of

asthma treatment. This kind of asthma treatment regimen is

primarily designed to control the inflammation of the airways.

Quick-relief medications can provide effective asthma treatment

by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, combatting acute asthma

attacks.

Asthma treatment involving medication can be taken orally or

through inhalation. The most common asthma treatment method

involves metered-dose inhalers, or MDIs. However, another

popular asthma treatment option is the dry powder inhaler.

Nebulizers are a favorite asthma treatment method for children

because they're easier to use.

One asthma treatment strategy involves anti-inflammatories

which prevent blood vessels from leaking fluid into the airway

tissues. Through the reduction in inflammation, this asthma

treatment method reduces the likelihood of spasms of the airway

muscle.

While asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed through

appropriate asthma treatment. One of the first steps in asthma

treatment involves changing an asthmatic's environment. This

type of asthma treatment can be as simple as washing bedding

each week in hot water, or eliminating pets from the home.

Other effective asthma treatment involves using the air

conditioner, replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile, using

leather or vinyl furniture rather than upholstered chairs and

sofas, and replacing down bedding with bedding made with

synthetic materials. Keeping the humidity low can be another

asthma treatment strategy.

Yet another asthma treatment option involves allergy shots,

also known as immunotherapy. With this asthma treatment,

allergen extracts are injected into a patient to desensitize

the person. The asthma treatment usually involves no more than

five shots a week, with the dosage increased over time.