Allergic Asthma: The Keys to Good Control
Well-treated asthma should not limit daily life.
Dr. Nadia Kouri
Allergist-Immunologist
In simple terms
Asthma affects 4 million French people. With appropriate maintenance treatment and allergen avoidance, control is possible.
What you need to remember
- What is Well-Controlled Asthma? — A patient whose asthma is controlled:
- Treatments — Maintenance treatment**: inhaled corticosteroids (beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone) ± long-acting bronchodilators.
- Common Mistakes — Stopping maintenance treatment when feeling well
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchi, often triggered by respiratory allergens. The good news: with appropriate treatment, 80% of patients can achieve optimal control.
What is Well-Controlled Asthma?
A patient whose asthma is controlled:
- Has no daytime symptoms (or less than twice a week)
- Does not wake up at night due to asthma
- Does not use their rescue bronchodilator more than twice a week
- Has no activity limitations
Treatments
- Maintenance treatment: inhaled corticosteroids (beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone) ± long-acting bronchodilators. To be taken EVERY day, even when feeling well.
- Rescue treatment: rapid-acting bronchodilator (salbutamol). Provides relief in minutes but does not treat inflammation.
- Biotherapies: anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL5 for severe refractory asthma.
Common Mistakes
- Stopping maintenance treatment when feeling well
- Incorrect inhalation technique (60% of patients)
- Failing to identify and avoid trigger allergens
- Ignoring symptoms of poor control
Your doctor should review your inhalation technique at each consultation. A poorly used inhaler is wasted treatment.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Inflammation
- The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Allergic Asthma: The Keys to Good Control?
- Asthma affects 4 million French people. With appropriate maintenance treatment and allergen avoidance, control is possible.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Allergic Asthma: The Keys to Good Control?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Allergic Asthma: The Keys to Good Control?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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