Definition: Long-Term Control Medicines

Long-Term Control Medicines

Also called: Controller Medicines or Maintenance Medicines

Many people with asthma need to take long-term control medicine every day to control their asthma and prevent symptoms. Most of these work by easing inflammation of the airways; others work by relaxing the airways and making them wider.

Long-term control medicines are slow acting, which means they can take days or even weeks to begin working. They don't provide immediate relief of symptoms and shouldn't be used when treatment is needed quickly. This requires faster-acting medicines (known as quick-relief medicines) that can work right away.