Is there a cure for asthma?

My 25-year-old younger sister has been suffering from Asthma for the past 5 years despite a lot of medications. I want to know if there is a permanent cure for Asthma so she can enjoy a healthy life.

Grace (by SMS)

There’s no cure for asthma. However, it’s a highly treatable disease. In fact, some doctors say today’s asthma treatments are so effective, many people have near-complete control of their symptoms. People with asthma have highly individual triggers and responses. Some doctors believe there are actually many asthmas, each with its own causes, risks, and treatments. Since you have asthma, your doctor will work with you to create an asthma action plan that focuses on your own symptoms and the things that seem to trigger them.

The plan will probably include changes to your environment and activities, along with medicine to help you manage your symptoms. Asthma treatment serves two main purposes: long-term control and short-term symptom relief.

Here are some of the asthma drugs your doctor could include in your asthma action plan: Inhalers. These portable devices deliver a premeasured dose of asthma medicine into your lungs. You hold the J-shaped pumps to your mouth and press down on the canister.

The pump sends out a mist or powder that you inhale. Some inhalers contain corticosteroids that control swelling and irritation in your airways. These inhalers are for daily or seasonal use. Other inhalers contain fast-acting drugs that can open your airways quickly if you’re having an asthma flare-up. Nebulizers.

These freestanding devices turn liquid medicine into a mist you can breathe. The drugs used in nebulizers reduce swelling and irritation in the airways. Oral medicines. Your long-term action plan may also include oral medications. Oral corticosteroid pills are also sometimes prescribed. Biologics. You may have an injection of a biologic medication once or twice a month. They’re only used for certain types of severe asthma.

Dr. Wale Okediran