What to Know About Asthma Controller Medications
Posted On: 08/27/2026
Asthma is a long-term illness that affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. If you or your child have asthma, you may cough, wheeze, feel tightness in your chest, or get short of breath.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with the right treatment, including controller medicines. Controller medicines work slowly over time to keep the airways calm. These medicines lower swelling in the airways, stop asthma attacks, and help you feel better.
Controller medicines are also known as maintenance medicines. They are different from rescue inhalers, which help open your airways quickly during an asthma attack.
Why You Should Take Your Controller Medication Every Day
To help reduce asthma symptoms, it is important to take your controller medicines every day, even when you feel fine. Good asthma control helps people go to school, work, play sports, and exercise with fewer problems. When asthma is under control, people are less likely to have bad flare-ups that send them to the emergency room or the hospital.
Not taking your controller medicine can cause serious problems. If swelling in the airways is not treated, asthma can get worse. Things like pollen, smoke, dust, pet hair, exercise, or being sick can then cause more symptoms. This can lead to more asthma attacks and more use of rescue inhalers.
Some people stop taking their controller medicine because they feel better – but that is often because the medicine is working. If they stop, their asthma may come back and get worse.
Common Controller Medications and How They Work
An inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is a controller medication used to reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe and helping prevent asthma symptoms and attacks. Common examples include fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), and beclomethasone (QVAR). Taking these medications consistently, even when you feel well, helps prevent flare-ups, improves lung function, and reduces the risk of severe asthma attacks.
One of the most important parts of asthma care is taking controller medicines the way your doctor tells you. This will help keep your lungs healthy and lower the chance of long-term damage.
Your doctor can show you how the right way to use your inhaler. They can also help you make an asthma action plan so you know what to do when your asthma is under control, and what to do if symptoms get worse. Regular checkups also help your doctor see how well you are managing your condition.
Need Help Managing Your Asthma?
Sign up for PCHP’s condition management program! You’ll get one-on-one support, tips to manage your asthma, and more helpful resources. To get started, call PCHP Member Services and ask to speak with the Condition Management team:
STAR and CHIP members can earn rewards for refilling their asthma medication prescription. Learn more: https://parklandhealthplan.com/asthma-medication-management
Benefits and value-added services were current at the time of publication. Click here for the current list.