​Asthma: Treatment
Asthma: Treatment

Asthma ​​may require long-term medication if it is not well-controlled.

How is asthma treated?

"Doctors treat asthma with a combination of long-term and quick-relief medications, and medications to treat allergy-induced asthma," says Associate Professor Loo Chian Min, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth​ group.​

Long-term asthma medication

Long-term asthma medications include:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes,
  • Bronchodilators to open up the airways
  • Leukotriene modifiers to reduce both airway inflammation and mucus production.

Quick-relief asthma medication

Quick-relief medications are prescribed to cope with sudden asthma attacks. These are inhaled medications such as ipratropium (Atrovent) and albuterol. They relax the airway muscles temporarily to make breathing easier.

Asthma inhalers are the asthma sufferer’s mobile medical kit. The inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs for immediate relief during a sudden asthma attack.

Asthma attack: a sign your asthma is not well-controlled!

“Go and see a doctor even if you have recovered from an asthma attack. Asthma attacks are signs that your asthma is not well-controlled. You may need stronger medication for a worsening asthmatic condition,” says A/Prof Loo.

Ref: T12​

Related Articles

Public Events

10 Oct 2025
Talks Health Talk: Mental Health @ SHP-Outram
​Free, no registration required. Please walk in to clinic at specified date and time. Learn More
10 Oct 2025
Others Performance by Musical Theatre Limited
11 Oct 2025
Public Forum Age-Related Macular Degeneration – What You Need to Know
11 Oct 2025
Workshop CancerWise Workshop 2025 – Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy & Prevention of Lymphedema Post Breast Surgery
Online  •  Free Learn More