Asthma awareness Published April 21, 2010 82nd Medical Group SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that expands and decreases, with periods of asthma control interrupted by occasional flares. The treatment is directed at controlling the airway inflammation with anti-inflammatory medication and decreasing exposure to those things that trigger asthma. There are two types of asthma medication: controller or rescuer medications. Controller medications are used daily to decrease the inflammation and to maintain asthma control. Types of controller medication are: orally inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, mast cell stabilizers, theophylline, omalizumab and corticosteroid pills. Rescue medications include: short acting beta-2 agonists, short acting theophylline and rapid acting inhaled anticholinergtics. If the exposure to the asthma triggers is reduced, the use of medications can be decreased. Asthma symptoms and triggers are as follows: Air pollutants, cold or dry air, environment tobacco smoke Exercise, air hunger, chest tightness, cough Animal dander, dust mites, allergens such as pollens and season molds Viral infections and cockroaches What can you do? Have a good asthma plan. Know the peak flow. Green equals good to go. Decrease or avoid asthma triggers. ImmunoCap testing determines personal asthma triggers. Take the controller medication daily. Don't confuse the controller with the rescue medications. Remember an asthma flare can be fatal.