Your health care provider may prescribe asthma medications for you. They may include quick-relief medications and long-term control medications. Know the names of your medications. Also know how each one works and when to use it.

An inhaler is a pressurized sprayer that delivers a measured amount of medication. Follow these steps if you're using an inhaler without a spacer.

To control asthma, you need to use your medications the right way. Some medications are inhaled using a device called a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Metered-dose inhalers use a fine spray to dispense medication. You may be asked to use a spacer (holding tube) with your inhaler. The spacer helps make sure all the medication you need goes into your lungs. Follow these steps.

Dry-powder inhalers use tiny grains of powder to dispense medication. These inhalers don’t require spacers. They often have counters that track how many doses you use. Keep in mind that dry-powder inhalers don’t all work the same way. So be sure you know how to use yours properly.

Two things to remember if you use an inhaler: keep it clean and keep track of how much medication is left, so you’ll never run out.

Here's where to find out more about these important asthma medications.

Your new inhaler is better for the environment and just as good for your asthma as your old inhaler.

Many people with chronic illnesses depend on elaborate medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers or blood-glucose monitors for their health and well-being. Countless others help their loved ones, young or old, deal with an oxygen machine, asthma medication inhaler or other device. No matter how sophisticated or simple the piece of medical equipment is, it's crucial to use and maintain it properly.

To make sure that you are getting the most benefit from your asthma medicines, here are questions to ask yourself.

Although medications can successfully treat asthma symptoms, they may also have side effects that leave you feeling jittery.

The newest drugs to join the asthma controller lineup are called leukotriene modifiers.

If you have asthma, does your dentist know? This is important for good oral health, especially if you use a corticosteroid inhaler.

It's good to learn as much as you can about your asthma medications.