Asthma
Asthma affects about 25 million Americans, including many children. The airways become inflamed and narrow, causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. There is no cure, but there is control: with the right treatment plan, most people with asthma live fully active lives — including sports.
Rescue vs. control
Asthma treatment has two roles that should never be confused. Rescue inhalers (like albuterol) open the airways within minutes when symptoms strike — they treat the moment. Controller medications, taken daily, reduce the underlying inflammation so attacks happen less often — they treat the condition. Needing a rescue inhaler more than twice a week is a signal to review your treatment plan with your doctor.
Technique matters as much as the medication
Studies consistently show that a large share of inhaler users make technique errors that keep medication from reaching the lungs. Small details — timing the press with the breath, holding the breath afterwards, using a spacer when indicated — change how well the treatment works. A pharmacist can check your technique in a few minutes.
Living with asthma
Knowing your triggers — pollen, dust, smoke, exercise, respiratory infections — and keeping your rescue inhaler always within reach are the daily basics. Reviewing your action plan with your doctor at least once a year keeps treatment matched to how your asthma actually behaves.
Available medications
Albuterol HFA
Generic for Ventolin
A quick-relief inhaler that opens the airways within minutes during symptoms.
Montelukast
Generic for Singulair
A once-daily oral tablet that helps prevent symptoms; also used for allergy-related asthma.
Frequently asked questions
A rescue inhaler relieves symptoms in minutes and is used as needed. A controller is taken every day — even when you feel fine — to reduce the inflammation that causes attacks. Most treatment plans combine both roles.
Warning signs include using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, waking up at night with symptoms, or limiting activities because of your breathing. Any of these is a reason to review your plan with your doctor.
Yes. Adult-onset asthma is common, particularly in women and after respiratory infections, and is sometimes mistaken for being "out of shape." Persistent cough, wheezing, or breathlessness deserves a medical evaluation at any age.
Yes — exercise is encouraged. Some people experience exercise-induced symptoms, which are manageable with proper warm-up and, when a doctor indicates it, medication before activity. Many elite athletes have asthma.
A spacer holds the medication in a chamber so you can inhale it more slowly and completely, sending more of the dose to the lungs instead of the mouth and throat. It is especially useful for children and during flare-ups.
General frequently asked questions
Yes. Every prescription medication on this site requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Send us your prescription (e-Rx, fax, or a call to your prescriber), or transfer it from your current pharmacy.
Yes. Simply provide the name and phone number of your current pharmacy, and the transfer is handled for you — usually within 2 business days.
Prescriptions issued abroad cannot be dispensed directly. However, if you are already on treatment, a pharmacist can review your case and guide you through obtaining a valid U.S. prescription so your therapy continues without interruption.
No. Only your doctor or prescriber can change your treatment. Pharmacists are available to answer questions about your medication and coordinate with your prescriber when needed.
At either of our pharmacies — Boca Raton or Pompano Beach. You pay at the pharmacy when you pick up.
Yes. Chronic oral medications are eligible for a discounted 90-day supply, available on each product page.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or medication. Prescription medications are dispensed only with a valid prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Torre, PharmD, RPh — Pharmacist-in-Charge, Florida License PS40009