Managing asthma cough involves a multi-faceted approach, primarily focusing on using prescribed medications that target the underlying causes of coughing related to asthma.
Asthma Medication for Cough Relief
According to the provided reference, asthma cough can be controlled by using prescribed asthma medications:
- Bronchodilator Inhaler:
- This is a fast-acting medication.
- It works by expanding the airways in the lungs, providing quick relief from coughing attacks.
- Corticosteroid Inhaler:
- This is typically a daily medication.
- It helps reduce inflammation in the airways, which is a common trigger for asthma cough.
Often, using both a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid inhaler is needed to effectively manage asthma symptoms, including coughing.
Practical Tips for Managing Asthma Cough
While medications are crucial, other strategies can help in controlling an asthma cough:
- Follow Your Asthma Action Plan: Work with your allergist to develop a plan that includes medication schedules, trigger avoidance, and steps to take when symptoms worsen.
- Identify and Avoid Triggers: Common asthma triggers like pollen, dust mites, smoke, and pet dander can exacerbate coughing.
- Keep track of what seems to bring on your cough.
- Try to limit exposure to known triggers.
- Use Your Inhaler Correctly: Improper inhaler technique can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your medication. Consult with your allergist or pharmacist on the correct usage.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Regularly monitoring your symptoms helps in catching early signs of an asthma flare-up, enabling prompt intervention.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your cough is not improving with your usual medications, or if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or blue lips/fingernails, seek immediate medical attention.
Table Summary
| Medication | Type | Function | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronchodilator | Fast-acting | Expands airways for quick relief | As needed for attacks |
| Corticosteroid | Anti-inflammatory | Reduces airway inflammation when used daily | Daily, as prescribed |
In summary, controlling asthma cough primarily involves adhering to your prescribed asthma medication plan, identifying and avoiding triggers, using inhalers correctly, and monitoring symptoms closely. Remember to consult your allergist for any adjustments needed in your treatment plan.
