SMART Therapy:

A Smarter Way to Manage Your Asthma

If you’re living with asthma, you know it’s more than just “a little wheeze.” It can disrupt your sleep, slow you down, and—at its worst—land you in the ER. That’s why it’s so important to find the right treatment plan that works for your life.

One of the smartest, most up-to-date ways to manage asthma is something called SMART therapy. And no, it’s not a gadget. It’s a simplified and powerful way to take control using just one inhaler for both daily maintenance and symptom relief.

What Is SMART Therapy?

SMART stands for Single Maintenance And Reliever Therapy. Instead of juggling one inhaler containing controller medicine for daily use and a second rescue inhaler for emergencies, SMART therapy uses just one inhaler that does both jobs.

That means:

• Fewer medications to remember
• Quicker response when symptoms flare up
• Better long-term control with fewer surprises

Is SMART Therapy Right for You?

SMART therapy could be a great fit if:

• You’re 12 or older (some younger children may also qualify)
• You have moderate to severe asthma or use your rescue inhaler a lot
• You rely too much on your rescue inhaler
• You’ve had an asthma attack in the last year

Although SMART therapy is not usually needed by people with very mild asthma, if you are using your rescue inhaler often, SMART could change your life.

What Inhalers Are Used?

SMART therapy uses combination inhalers that contain:

• A steroid to control inflammation AND
• A fast-acting bronchodilator called formoterol, which works like albuterol but lasts longer

The two most common SMART inhalers are:

• Symbicort® (budesonide + formoterol) – There is a generic form of this!
• Dulera® (mometasone + formoterol)

These medications are proven, FDA-approved, and safe when used the right way.

How Do You Use It?

Here’s the beauty of SMART: You use the same inhaler every day, and also when you feel symptoms coming on.

Example (using budesonide + formoterol 160/4.5 mcg):

• Take 2 puffs twice a day (as prescribed)
• When you feel symptoms (like wheezing or shortness of breath), take 1 extra puff
• You can use up to 6–12 puffs per day (I’ll let you know about your maximum number of puffs per day)

No more switching inhalers or wondering if you’re using the right one. One inhaler means smarter, more simplified control.

What Results Can You Expect?

Asthma sufferers using SMART therapy usually experience:

• Fewer asthma attacks
• Better symptom control
• Less need for steroids overall
• Fewer trips to urgent care or the ER

Clinical research studies show that SMART therapy can outperform the traditional two-inhaler system—especially for people with tricky or unpredictable asthma.

Is It Safe?

Yes. SMART therapy is included in the latest asthma treatment guidelines from both:

• GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma), and
• NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

It’s trusted, proven, and already helping every patient I’ve prescribed.

What Should You Do Next?

If your current asthma routine feels complicated, unpredictable, or just not working, it might be time to get SMART. At Asthmaniac.com, I offer online visits to you help decide if this therapy is right for you—and, when you decide, I can get your medicine prescribed online for a quick start to Better Breathing! 

🎯 No waiting rooms. No confusion. Just better breathing. Your Back-pocket-asthma-doc!