> Preventer Medications

Used to protect your lungs and to prevent an asthma attack. Therefore preventer medicines need to be taken daily, even if you don't have any symptoms. You will not be addicted to the preventer medicines even if you use them for many years. There are several types:

• Inhaled corticosteroids help reduce swelling of your airways.
• Long-acting bronchodilators help keep your airways open for at least 12 hours.
• Combination medications are a newer type of asthma medication that combines two types of controllers in one inhaler. The inhaled corticosteroid component reduces swelling and the bronchodilator component opens up the airways for at least 12 hours.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists are also a type of preventer. They are sometimes used with inhaled corticosteroids.

Important: Please do not discontinue the PREVENTER medications unless instructed by your doctor.