Asthma Glossary
Asthma – A long-term, chronic disease of the airways of the lungs, characterized by two main causes: constriction and inflammation. Together, they cause narrowing of the airways, which results in symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It’s important to remember that asthma is always with you, even when you are not experiencing any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to continue daily preventative (maintenance) medication even when you are feeling fine.
Asthma attacks – When symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath become more severe, more frequent, or both. They are also called asthma flare-ups or asthma exacerbations.
Breath-activated – A device that delivers medicine when you breathe in.
Constriction (bronchoconstriction) – The tightening of the muscles around the airways of the lungs; one of the two main causes of asthma symptoms.
Controller medication – Asthma medication taken daily to help manage asthma symptoms. Also called maintenance medication.
Fast-acting inhaler – Also called a quick-relief or rescue inhaler. Medicine used to treat sudden asthma symptoms. The inhaler helps you get control quickly when you are having asthma symptoms. Every person with asthma needs a rescue inhaler. ADVAIR does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.
Inflammation – Swelling and irritation of the airways of your lungs; one of the two main causes of asthma symptoms. Airway inflammation may still be there, even when you are not having symptoms.
Inhalation – Taking air into the lungs.
Inhaled corticosteroid – A type of controller, or daily maintenance medicine, that treats inflammation.
Inhaler – A device that helps deliver medicine into the airways of the lungs.
Oral corticosteroid – A pill or liquid that is sometimes used for the short-term treatment of worsening asthma.
Peak flow meter – A portable, hand-held device that measures how fast you can blow air out of the lungs.
Preventative medications – Often referred to as maintenance medications, they are medications taken for the long-term management of asthma.
Rescue inhaler – Also called quick-relief or fast-acting inhaler. Medicine used to treat sudden asthma symptoms. The inhaler helps you get control quickly when you are having asthma symptoms. Every person with asthma needs a rescue inhaler. ADVAIR does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.
Triggers – Things that make your asthma worse. They may not be the same for everyone. Common triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, animal dander from fur or feathers, cockroaches, pollen, and strong odors.
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS and ADVAIR HFA 45/21, 115/21, 230/21 (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Inhalation Aerosol
Prescription ADVAIR won't replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms and should not be taken more than twice a day. ADVAIR is for people who still have symptoms on another asthma controller, or who need two controllers. ADVAIR contains salmeterol. In patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So ADVAIR is not for people whose asthma is well controlled on another controller medicine.
Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treating asthma with ADVAIR. Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. If taking ADVAIR, see the doctor if asthma does not improve or gets worse. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Tell the doctor about any heart condition or high blood pressure. Some people may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in heart rhythm. Inhaled corticosteroids as well as poorly controlled asthma may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown.
ADVAIR DISKUS is for patients 4 years and older. For patients 4 to 11 years old, ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50 is for those who have asthma symptoms while on an inhaled corticosteroid.
ADVAIR HFA is for patients 12 years and older.