{"id":626691,"date":"2024-02-09T09:30:39","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T14:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626691"},"modified":"2026-03-10T21:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T01:33:12","slug":"asthma-pills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/asthma-pills\/","title":{"rendered":"Is there a pill to treat asthma?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During an asthma attack, it can feel like you can\u2019t get enough air into your lungs. Your breathing may become labored, causing wheezing that makes a whistling sound. You may experience chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing so intense that you\u2019re unable to speak. Some describe it as trying to breathe through your mouth with a straw.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/asthma-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be scary, but it\u2019s far from uncommon. This chronic condition affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 in 12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> people in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The good news? Though there is no cure, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">multiple ways to treat asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from inhalers and infusions to pills. This guide investigates how asthma pills work, their effectiveness, and how to find the right medication for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/asthma-statistics\/\"><b>How common is asthma?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-there-a-pill-for-asthma\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there a pill for asthma?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma pills are oral medications used to manage asthma, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/don-j-beasley-md-97a03337\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don. J. Beasley, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an otolaryngologist at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/boiseent.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boise ENT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Idaho. These options are considered when traditional asthma medications such as rescue inhalers (like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ventolin-hfa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ventolin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xopenex-hfa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xopenex HFA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and inhaled corticosteroids (like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fluticasone-propionate-hfa\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flovent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pulmicort-flexhaler?\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmicort<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) are insufficient or when patients have difficulty using inhalers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/asthma\/treatment\/medication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Lung Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there are two general types of asthma medications\u2014both of which come in pill form:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Quick-relief medications, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or rescue medications, work as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/bronchodilators\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bronchodilators<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to quickly relax the airway muscles to improve breathing during an asthma attack.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Long-term control medications, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or controller medications, are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce airway swelling and inflammation to prevent asthma symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most asthma patients are treated with combination therapy that includes quick-relief medicine and long-term control medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/asthma-attack-triggers\/\"><b>6 asthma attack triggers<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"types-of-asthma-pills\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of asthma pills<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"oral-corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral corticosteroids\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are potent medications that reduce the immune system&#8217;s inflammatory reaction <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to prevent and treat asthma symptoms and attacks. By reducing swelling and inflammation, they help open up the airways to improve airflow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids for asthma in pill form include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deltasone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/medrol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medrol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methylprednisolone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methylprednisolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baycadron (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dexamethasone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dexamethasone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone is the most common and effective asthma pill, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lluh.org\/provider\/chandak-twinkle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twinkle R. Chandak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a pulmonary specialist at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lluh.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loma Linda University Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in California. It\u2019s typically used to treat severe asthma attacks and prevent hospitalization and life-threatening consequences when other therapies have failed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;[Corticosteroids] are typically used for short-term control of severe asthma symptoms and to prevent exacerbations,&#8221; Dr. Beasley says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"short-acting-beta-agonists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-acting beta agonists<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/short-acting-beta-agonists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-acting beta agonists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (SABAs) are a type of fast-acting asthma medication that relieves symptoms of an asthma attack. They relax the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, which helps to open up and widen the air passages to alleviate asthma symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to inhaled medications, there is one SABA\u00a0 in pill form called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/terbutaline-sulfate\"><b>terbutaline<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a bronchodilator that opens up closed airways tightened by asthma. It controls symptoms for up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a682144.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">six hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Terbutaline is not recommended for routine treatment of asthma due to slower onset of action and more side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previously, there was another option called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metaproterenol-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metaproterenol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but it is no longer available in the U.S.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"long-acting-beta-agonists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-acting beta agonists\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/long-acting-beta-agonists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-acting beta agonists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (LABAs) are a mainstay of therapy in asthma maintenance,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr911\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Robert Glatter, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and assistant professor of emergency medicine at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lenoxhill.northwell.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenox Hill Hospital<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in New York. LABAs come in inhaled forms. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-acting beta agonists<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help relax the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier. They work similarly to short-acting beta agonists but have a longer duration of action (12 to 24 hours). They are never used as a standalone treatment. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather, they are prescribed with an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/inhaled-corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inhaled corticosteroid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ICS), usually with one inhaler containing both a LABA and ICS. This combination helps lower the risk and frequency of asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the smaller airways in the lungs, known as bronchioles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standalone long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), which act as bronchodilators, could be used along with a standalone ICS as two different products. They <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aaaai.org\/tools-for-the-public\/drug-guide\/long-acting-beta-agonists-(labas)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">include<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VoSpire ER (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/albuterol-sulfatehttps:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/albuterol-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">albuterol sulfate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) tablets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/serevent-diskus\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serevent Diskus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (salmeterol) inhaler<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"antileukotrienes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antileukotrienes\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antileukotrienes, also called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/leukotriene-modifiers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leukotriene modifiers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), block leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the immune system that contribute to asthma and allergy symptoms. This drug class helps reduce inflammation, bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and mucus production<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term use<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LTRAs helps to prevent asthma symptoms. These medications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/singulair\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singulair<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/montelukast-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">montelukast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) (taken once a day)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/accolate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accolate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zafirlukast\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zafirlukast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) (taken two times a day)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zileuton-er\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zileuton<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (regular-release taken four times a day or extended-release taken twice daily)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to note that Singulair (montelukast) has a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-requires-boxed-warning-about-serious-mental-health-side-effects-asthma-and-allergy-drug\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black box warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because of the risk of mental health side effects, including suicidal ideation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe risk of suicidal ideation for those taking montelukast was more prevalent in patients with a prior history of suicidal thoughts and depression,\u201d Dr. Glatter says. Because of this, healthcare providers must screen people for a history of mood disorders and suicidal ideation before prescribing Singulair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/singulair-side-effects\/\"><b>Singulair side effects and how to avoid them<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"methylxanthines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/neuroscience\/xanthine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are an older class of medication that work by relaxing bronchial muscles in the lungs and chest to make it easier to breathe. Dr. Glatter says these medications are not often prescribed as often because their anti-inflammatory<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and bronchodilation properties are not as strong as newer classes of asthma medications, which also have fewer side effects. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When prescribed, methylxanthines are typically an add-on therapy for individuals with moderate-to-severe asthma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/methylxanthines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methylxanthines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for asthma include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/theophylline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theophylline<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(oral)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aminophylline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aminophylline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (intravenous)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"antibiotics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antibiotics<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, bacterial respiratory infections can exacerbate asthma symptoms. In that case, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6513273\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection, says Dr. Chandak. They are not a primary asthma treatment. For example, these antibiotics can treat common infections:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zithromax-z-pak\"><b>Zithromax Z-pak<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin\"><b>azithromycin<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/boostrix\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whooping cough<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pneumonia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pneumonia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amoxicillin\"><b>Amoxicillin<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treats acute respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/sinus-infection-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sinusitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-asthmatic-cough\/\"><b>How to stop an asthmatic cough<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"role-of-asthma-pills-in-long-term-control\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Role of asthma pills in long-term control<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/asthma-inhalers-price-list\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma inhalers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like combination inhalers, metered-dose inhalers, and dry powder inhalers a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">re the first line of treatment for asthma control, asthma pills also play a small role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAsthma pills can be effective, especially for those who struggle with inhaler use or have specific types of asthma (like allergic asthma or exercise-induced asthma),\u201d Dr. Beasley explains. However, he adds that their effectiveness varies based on the type of medication, the individual&#8217;s specific asthma triggers and symptoms, and how consistently they are taken.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When taken consistently as prescribed, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long-term benefits of asthma maintenance medications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better control of asthma symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced frequency of asthma attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved overall lung function\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/exercise-induced-asthma\/\"><b>How to manage exercise-induced asthma<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line-asthma-pills-are-crucial-for-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line: Asthma pills are crucial for treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma pills can play a crucial role in an asthma treatment plan. These medications are designed to manage and control asthma symptoms, reduce inflammation in the airways, and prevent or relieve asthma attacks. Available options include corticosteroids, short-acting beta agonists, antileukotrienes, xanthines, and antibiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cConsulting with a healthcare professional who can tailor treatments based on individual health needs and circumstances is crucial,\u201d Dr. Beasley says. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s a good idea to ask your provider to help you create a written asthma action plan.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likewise,\u00a0 it\u2019s essential to have regular follow-ups to monitor a medication\u2019s effectiveness and adjust the treatment plan as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During an asthma attack, it can feel like you can\u2019t get enough air into your lungs. Your breathing may become labored, causing wheezing that makes a whistling sound. You may experience chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing so intense that you\u2019re unable to speak. Some describe it as trying to breathe through your mouth with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":626531,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[554,10965,20955],"coauthors":[20608],"class_list":["post-626691","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-allergies","tag-asthma","tag-inflammation","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is there a pill to treat asthma?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Oral corticosteroids and short-acting beta agonists are a few of the most popular forms of asthma pills.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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