Although physicians are aware that “all that wheezes is not asthma,” asthma continues to be misdiagnosed at times. In such cases, poor initial response to treatment may result in the administration of increased doses of asthma medications, including repeated courses of oral corticosteroids. In this latter instance, a patient’s persistent symptoms often lead to emergency room visits and hospitalizations. So a specific line of treatment for each patient needs to be planned out.

Specific treatment for asthma will be determined by your doctor based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

People with asthma can learn to identify and avoid the things that trigger an episode, and educate themselves about medications and other asthma management strategies.

There are different types of Asthma:

• Allergic asthma
• Non-allergic asthma
• Aspirin-sensitive asthma
• Occupational asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Cough-variant asthma
• Factitious asthma
• Potentially fatal asthma
• Coexistent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Goals for optimum Asthma Management:

• Control of daily signs and symptoms
• Prevention of exacerbations of asthma attacks
• Attainment of personal best pulmonary function
• Prevention of permanent changes in the airway

Long-term asthma control medications, generally taken daily, are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. These medications keep asthma under control on a day-to-day basis and make it less likely you'll have an asthma attack.

Quick-relief (rescue) medications are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack — or before exercise if your doctor recommends it. 

Allergy medications may help if your asthma is triggered or worsened by allergies.

Your treatment should be flexible and based on changes in your symptoms, which should be assessed thoroughly each time you see your doctor. Then, your doctor can adjust your treatment accordingly.