The treatment of asthma can start with two main goals to help control and

calm asthmatic conditions. Because of the variability with asthma triggers and levels
of severity, the course of treatment must be consistently monitored and assessed
(Holgate & Douglass, 2010). The first goal in the treatment of asthma is to control
acute attacks and symptoms that may be triggered by environmental, lifestyle or
other factors. For rapid short-term relief during an attack, a quick acting medication
may be used to help control and ease the symptoms by going directly to the airways
(Miles & Peter, 2013). An example of medication used is an inhaled corticosteroid
such as the beta agonist, Albuterol. Albuterol can take effect within just minutes
and relief may last up to 6 hours. (Miles & Peter, 2013).
Another goal in the treatment of asthma is to control persistent and
reoccurring asthmatic conditions over long term. An example of this antiasthmatic
medication is Fluticasone, which is an inhaled corticosteroid (Bethesda, 2013).
Fluticasone may be part of a daily routine and reduces the spasm of muscle cells in
the airways that may be making it difficult for air to get into and out of the lungs.
This may also be used with a quick relief medication for acute episodes or asthma
attacks. According to Mayo Clinic, prevention and control is the most effective way
for management of asthmatic conditions (2014).

Bethesda, M. (2013). Expert panel report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the diagnosis and
management of asthma. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Retrieved
from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/. Accessed Sept. 13, 2013
Holgate Stephen T; Douglass, Jo. (2010). Fast Facts : Asthma (3rd Edition).
GBR: Health Press Limited. p 46. Retrieved from
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/arapahoecc/Doc?id=10480487&ppg=46
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Treatments and drugs of Asthma. Mayoclinic.org.
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/asthma/basics/treatment/con-20026992
Miles, M. & Peters, S. (2013). Asthma and related disorders. Merck Manual
Professional. Retrieved from
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary_disorders/asthma
_and_related_disorders/asthma.html