Do asthma drugs have side effects?
Yes, as do all drugs. No medicine is so exact that it can do its intended job without having unintended side effects as well. It is important, therefore, that you give your doctor accurate information about your entire health condition, not just your asthma symptoms. Doing away with some asthma drugs on the basis of other health problems, like high blood pressure, is one important way of reducing your risks. For most people with asthma, long-term control of inflammation of the airways is the key to successful treatment. Prescribing drugs based on information you supply is your doctor’s responsibility. Faithful reporting of changes and reactions is yours. And only you can make sure that you take your medication exactly as it is prescribed. The greatest danger for most people taking asthma medicine, especially by inhaler, is overuse. Don’t give in to “just another puff,” or “if two puffs work, three must be better,” or “half a dose between doses.” Overuse of these medications over a peri
