Asthma Treatment Long Acting Beta Agonist (LABA) Can Control Symptoms By Pat Bass, MD twitter linkedin Dr. Bass is a board-certified internist, pediatrician, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. Learn about our editorial process Pat Bass, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD on December 01, 2019 Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel More, MD Updated on December 01, 2019 Print A LABA is a type of bronchodilator whose effects last for 12 hours or more. LABA stands for long-acting beta-agonist and two brand names are Serevent and Foradil. It's used for adjunctive treatment for the prevention of symptoms such as: Wheezing Chest tightness Shortness of breath Cough While a LABA bronchodilator should not be used for acute asthma symptoms, a LABA is associated with the following benefits when added in patients who are inadequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid: Improved lung function Decreased asthma symptoms Increased number of symptom-free days Reduction in the number of asthma attacks Decreased rescue inhaler use Additionally, a LABA may be used for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma. Karl Tapales / Getty Images How Does a LABA Work? A LABA relaxes the smooth muscle lining the airways of your lungs and causes your airways to open up. As a result, you begin to experience fewer symptoms. The effects of a LABA can last 5 to 12 hours depending on how frequently you use this inhaler. Importantly, a LABA does not decrease any of the underlying inflammation associated with asthma. Side Effects The physical side effects of LABAs are very similar to those described for SABAs. Many patients do not experience any side effects using albuterol and other LABAs. If you experience some of the minor side effects, some physicians may change you to a different LABA. If any of the other side effects occur, make sure to contact your healthcare provider promptly. There has been some concern regarding whether LABA treatment increases the severity of asthma exacerbations and possibly increases the risk of fatal asthma. Even though a LABA may decrease the frequency of asthma episodes and severity of symptoms, a LABA may make asthma episodes more severe when they occur. Despite this warning, if inhaled steroids do not adequately control your asthma symptoms, you can: Increase the dose of your inhaled steroid Add a LABA However, you should not be taking a LABA if you are not also taking an inhaled steroid. You need to discuss these risks with your asthma provider to figure out what the best plan for you is. Examples of LABA Medications Serevent® (Salmeterol) Foradil® (Formoterol) There are also combinations of LABAs and ICS such as Advair, Symbicort, and Dulera. All are indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in their review of ICS concludes “if a combination device is chosen then the least costly device that is suitable for the individual is recommended." Summary LABAs can be an important part of your asthma action plan when your symptoms are not adequately controlled on an inhaled steroid. It is important to monitor your symptoms to ensure that you do not need additional therapy. Additionally, it is important that you understand the potential side effects and what to do if they occur. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Anderson SD, Brannan JD. Long-acting beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists and exercise-induced asthma: lessons to guide us in the future. Paediatr Drugs. 2004;6(3):161-75. doi:10.2165/00148581-200406030-00003 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. AAAAI Allergy & Asthma Medication Guide. Updated April 2018. Khajotia R, Tnew C. Are inhaled long-acting Beta-agonists (laba) really harmful in adult asthmatics? Malays Fam Physician. 2008;3(2):98–100. Published 2008 Aug 31. National Institutes for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of chronic asthma in adults and children aged 12 years and over.