The best way to soothe asthma symptoms

Managing asthma isn’t just about handling flare-ups — it’s about preventing them in the first place. “Asthma is a chronic disease requiring preventive treatment,” explains David Beuther, M.D., chief medical information officer and associate professor of pulmonology at National Jewish Health in Denver. The most important step? Taking your asthma medication regularly and as prescribed.

Many people mistakenly rely on their rescue inhaler for quick relief, rather than sticking to a daily preventive plan. “That makes things worse,” says Dr. Beuther. “It doesn’t address the inflammation and allows people to get very sick between attacks.”

The two main types of inhalers

Asthma inhalers fall into two main categories: 

• Rescue inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators) work fast to relax airway muscles when symptoms flare. These are designed for immediate relief — not daily use. If you’re using a rescue inhaler more than twice a week, it’s a sign your asthma isn’t well controlled.
   
• Controller inhalers (long-acting medications) are used daily to reduce inflammation, keep airways open, and prevent symptoms. These help manage the root cause of asthma, not just the symptoms.

Your doctor may also prescribe*: 

• Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation. Some examples:
  • Fluticasone (Flovent HFA)
  • Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
  • Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)
  • Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler)
  • Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
     
• Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs): These bronchodilators are meant to be used regularly to control asthma that’s moderate to severe. They’re also ideal for preventing asthma symptoms at night. Your doctor will only prescribe them in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid. A couple examples:
  • Salmeterol (Serevent)
  • Formoterol (Foradil) 

Even the best medications won’t work if you don’t use them correctly. Many people unknowingly use inhalers the wrong way, which means less medicine reaches the lungs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your technique.

Beyond inhalers: Other ways to ease asthma symptoms

While medication is essential, certain lifestyle adjustments can help reduce triggers and make breathing easier:

Swap your showerhead annually. Showerheads can harbor bacteria that may worsen lung health. Replacing yours regularly can lower the risk.

Get enough vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels are linked to more frequent asthma attacks. A daily supplement may help — ask your doctor.  

Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps thin mucus and clear airways. Steam from showers can also provide relief.

Practice belly breathing. Breathing from your diaphragm — rather than shallow chest breathing — helps relax your body, improve airflow, and reduce stress.

Try meditation or yoga. Both support better breathing habits and reduce stress, which is a common asthma trigger.

Keep your home allergy-free. Reduce dust, mold, and pet dander. Use allergy-proof bedding, replace fabric furniture with easy-to-clean surfaces, and use HEPA filters if needed.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can worsen asthma and make medications less effective. Losing even a small amount of weight may reduce symptoms. 

Watch out for hidden triggers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common among people with asthma. Acid reflux can irritate airways and worsen symptoms, especially at night. Help prevent it by:

• Avoiding large meals close to bedtime.
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine late in the day.

Bottom line

The foundation of asthma care is daily medication and proper inhaler use. Combine that with smart lifestyle strategies and regular check-ins with your doctor to breathe easier every day.

*Medicare beneficiaries can access a complete list of covered prescription drugs by visiting ibxmedicare.com/formulary.