Effective Alternatives to Prednisone for Severe Asthma Management

Severe asthma is a disease characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Prednisone is typically used to treat severe asthma attacks; however, there are other alternative long-term medicines available to maintain health in people with severe asthma.

The Facts

• The American Lung Association (ALA) classifies prednisone (corticosteroid) as the most potent anti-inflammatory used to decrease inflammation in the lungs.

Treatment

• The ALA says two types of medicines are used to treat severe asthma. Bronchodilators help stop asthma attacks after they have started and can help prevent attacks. Anti-inflammatories are most effective for people with severe asthma; they help control airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.

Significance

• Alternative anti-inflammatory medicines available for people with severe asthma are cromolyn and nedocromil.

Effects

• For people with severe asthma, controlling the symptoms before they become an attack is mportant. Anti-inflammatory drugs have fewer long-term side effects than prednisone.

Warning

• Severe asthma, if not properly treated, can be fatal.