Monitoring asthma at home should be done in a planned manner, the causes should be identified & steps taken to avoid the things that trigger an episode. In addition, a proper awareness about various medications and other asthma management strategies should be developed.  Ways to counter them are disclosed below:

	Identify and minimize contact with asthma triggers.
	Work with a healthcare professional at periodic intervals to determine the best way to take care of your child's asthma.
	The more information a person with asthma has, the better asthma can be controlled.

Goals of Asthma Management

	Normalize lifestyle (taking into account environmental control): the individual should be able to participate in virtually any activity he or she wishes
	Freedom from night/early AM symptoms: sleep should not be disturbed by asthma symptoms
	Relief or bronchodilator medications should not be required daily (other than with vigorous exercise)
	Normalize or optimize lung function as measured by peak flow or lung function testing

Medications

Anti-inflammatory

The successful approach to asthma management depends on using anti-inflammatory edications with bronchodilators as needed for immediate and occasional relief of symptioms.

	Anti-Inflammatory - Preventers: Anti-inflammatories are used to treat the inflammation that is caused by exposure to inducers
	Bronchodilators - Relievers (Rescue): Bronchodilators are used to relieve the bronchoconstriction provoked by triggers

The successful approach to asthma management, both in and out of hospital settings, is dependent upon the use of anti-inflammatory treatments with bronchodilators being prescribed for immediate and occasional relief of symptoms.

It has been shown that regular, frequent use of bronchodilator therapy may actually worsen the asthma. Again this stresses the need for adding anti-inflammatory medications if bronchodilator therapy is required often to control symptoms.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications (Preventers)

prevent and reduce inflammation, swelling and mucus prevent symtpoms such as cough, wheeze and breathlessness need to be taken on a regular basis are slow acting (hours or weeks) Types of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

There are steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most common ones include:

Steroids

	Beclomethasone
	Budesonide
	Flunisolide
	Fluticasone

Non-Steroidal

	Sodium cromoglycate
	Nedocromil
	Corticosteroid Inhalers

Corticosteroid drugs are the most effective preventer.

They work by reducing and preventing airway inflammation, swelling and mucus.

They must be used regularly and do not have immediate effects. This means they have no value when an effect is needed in minutes.

A stepwise approach to treatment of asthma involves the introduction or change in anti-inflammatory medication.

Increased asthma symptoms indicate the need to increase the anti-inflammatory in order to achieve control. As control is achieved and the patient remains symptom free over a period of time (as specified by the physician), a decrease of medications can be initiated by the patient.

Side Effects of Corticosteroid Inhalers few side effects at low doses high doses may cause growth suppression, studies have shown that children whose asthma is not controlled do not grow as quickly as other children. side effects, in general, are usually restricted to the throat:

	Hoarseness and sore throat
	Thrush or yeast infection

This can be prevented by rinsing the mouth and gargling, and by using a holding chamber.

Check yourself with peak flow meter whether your asthma is under control or not?