Rescue medications are a type of medication used by people with
asthma to relieve asthma symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, and
shortness of breath) or to treat an asthma flare-up. They're
also known as quick-relief or fast-acting medications because they
act quickly to stop symptoms, but the effects aren't long
lasting. Most are inhaled and work by relaxing the muscle around
the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs),
making the airways wider and allowing breathing to become easier
within minutes. They don't treat the underlying inflammation of
the airways - this can require daily treatment with other types of
medications called controller medications. Some people with asthma
rely only on rescue medications; others use rescue medications
together with controller medications to keep their asthma in check
overall.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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