If you have any type of persistent asthma, the doctor will likely prescribe you two types of medications: fast-acting or “rescue” medications that may help relieve acute asthma symptoms and asthma attacks, and long-acting or “asthma control” medications that are taken daily to help control your everyday symptoms. Asthma control medications can help reduce your everyday symptoms as well as lessen the frequency of asthma attacks.

When you first start taking asthma control medication, you may notice a difference right away. However, these medications may take several weeks of regular use to achieve their full effect and even then they only work when they are taken consistently. Ask your doctor about the specific medications you are prescribed, what to expect if it is working, and how long it usually takes to show improvement. If you have been taking the medications properly for a sufficient period but you are not experiencing any relief from your symptoms, your medications need to be adjusted by your doctor. Some other signs that your asthma control medications may not be working include:

• Daytime asthma symptoms that occur more than twice a week.
• Needing to use your asthma rescue medication more than twice a week.
• Asthma symptoms that limit your usual activities or enjoyment of everyday life.
• Asthma symptoms that seem to be worsening.
• Waking up at night with asthma symptoms at least twice a month.
• Symptoms that occur during exercise.
• Having two or more asthma attacks in one year.
• Declining lung function (based on peak flow monitoring).

For many people with asthma, asthma control medications provide some relief but do not completely control their asthma symptoms. A recent survey found that more than 50% of patients with moderate to severe asthma who are taking medications still suffer from uncontrolled asthma symptoms. Many people with this experience continue to suffer from asthma symptoms indefinitely when there may be other options for them. People tend to get used to living with the limitations that their asthma creates but they may need not to do so. If you are taking asthma control medications and are still experiencing significant asthma symptoms, talk to your doctor about what more you can be doing to control your asthma symptoms.