There are a lot of different types of asthma medications, and among those types, there are a variety of choices in individual medicines. No one asthma medication is right for every person who has asthma. Inhaled steroids are the treatment of choice, according to national treatment guidelines, but even they are not the right choice for everyone. And even if they are, which one? Are there differences? Do they all work the same?

I answer questions here and at other asthma websites about medications all the time, and one thing is clear — many people don’t really understand why certain asthma medications have been prescribed for them or what their medications actually do. This is dangerous — first off, because you need to understand your medicine to be able to use it correctly and effectively. And secondly, because when you are an informed consumer, you can be more involved in asthma treatment decision making.

If you have just been diagnosed with mild persistent asthma and your family doctor has just prescribed Advair or Symbicort, you might question that choice. Combination drugs such as those inhalers are usually reserved for people with more severe forms of asthma that hasn’t responded to inhaled steroids alone.

Our Drugs Guide, Dr. Mike Bihari, has written a great article, “15 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Medications” that I think you’ll find helpful in learning more about the asthma medications you take. Don’t live in the dark any longer!