When teaching a patient about cromolyn for asthma, what is an important point to communicate?

Cromolyn is classified as a mast cell stabilizer and is primarily used for preventing asthma attacks rather than treating them once they occur. This is a key point in communicating its use to patients.

Using cromolyn every day, even when the patient is asymptomatic, helps maintain a stable level of the medication in the body. This consistent usage allows for the prevention of asthma symptoms by stabilizing mast cells and preventing the release of inflammatory mediators that can lead to bronchoconstriction and inflammation in the airways.

By not limiting the medication's use to only when symptoms are present, patients can more effectively manage their asthma long term, reducing the likelihood of acute exacerbations. It’s important for patients to understand that chromolyn is not a rescue medication to be used during acute attacks, which differentiates it from other asthma medications that are intended for immediate relief.