Final answer:
Joyce, who is on a long-acting beta agonist for asthma, should also use a corticosteroid to control inflammation. This combination can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and is generally recommended for better asthma management. Avoiding asthma triggers is also crucial in effective asthma care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joyce, who is taking a long-acting beta agonist for her asthma, should also be taking a corticosteroid for optimal asthma management. Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are designed to relax the muscles around the airways and help to keep them open for extended periods. However, they should not be used alone because they don't address the underlying inflammation of the airways. That's where corticosteroids come into play. Corticosteroids can help decrease the frequency of attacks and the inflammation that can contribute to asthma symptoms. For comprehensive asthma care, especially in individuals with persistent asthma, a combination of a long-acting beta agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid is typically recommended. This combination can lead to better asthma control and prevent the onset of asthma attacks.
It is essential to follow a healthcare provider's guidance on medication use, as the condition, frequency of attacks, and identified triggers influence the type of medication that an individual may require. In addition to pharmaceutical treatment, avoiding known asthma triggers is another critical component of managing asthma effectively.