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The goal of treating asthma is to not die from asthma.  The secondary goal is for asthmatics to live their life fully, as if they did not have asthma.  This often requires treatment.  Symptoms of asthma are wheezing, cough and difficulty breathing.

Your doctor will ask questions to find out how often are symptoms and how often medication is needed.  If you are found to have “mild persistent asthma” then studies show that children and adults benefit from intermittent use of inhaled steroids.

Mild persistent asthma

Asthma is considered mild persistent if WITHOUT treatment any of the following are true:

• Symptoms occur on more than 2 days a week but do not occur every day.
• Attacks interfere with daily activities.
• Nighttime symptoms occur 3 to 4 times a month.
• Lung function tests are normal when the person is not having an asthma attack.

In the past, we have had patients take daily inhaled steroid therapy, but intermittent inhaled steroids may be just as effective.  Ask your doctor if you can change your frequency of medication.