There are two basic types of asthma medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs provide ongoing treatment to help prevent asthma attacks. Bronchodilators are used during asthma attacks to help improve breathing.

Anti-inflammatory asthma medications are long-term medications that are taken daily to prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airway. Not everyone with asthma necessarily needs a daily medication. Anti-inflammatory asthma medications are most commonly used for people who have asthma symptoms two or more times a week.

Corticosteroids are used as anti-inflammatory medication for asthma. They are the most popular kind of asthma anti-inflammatory medication. Long-acting beta-agonists and mast cell stabilizers, or leukotriene modifiers are sometimes used. Theophylline is often used for nighttime protection. Xolair is an injectable medication used when other medications fail to inhibit asthma symptoms. Xolair is often used when people have allergies in addition to asthma.

Bronchodilators are asthma medication used when asthma symptoms flare up. Most bronchodilators are administered as an asthma inhaler. Short-acting beta-agonists are the most commonly used bronchodilators. Anticholinergics are bronchodilators that may be used in addition to short-acting beta-agonists. Systemic corticosteroids are bronchodilators that are used in cases of emergency. Symbicort and Advair Diskus are the brand names of an asthma medication that includes corticosteroids and a bronchodilator.

Over-the-counter asthma medication may provide temporary relief from asthma symptoms, but do not thoroughly control asthma symptoms. Bronkaid and Brimatine Mist are over-the-counter asthma medications that act like bronchodilators. If someone is having asthma symptoms, the person should consult a doctor instead of relying on over-the-counter medication for asthma.

For people who have asthma that is triggered by allergies, allergy medication is used as part of asthma treatment. Immunotherapy injections, antihistamine, and decongestants may be used for allergy-induced asthma. Sometimes, people can avoid these asthma flare-ups by avoiding the allergens. When that is not possible, immunotherapy may help decrease the sensitivity to the allergen.

During an acute asthma attack, the individual may need intravenous corticosteroid treatment. An oral dose may also be given. Prednisone and methylpredisolone are examples of corticosteroids that may be given in an emergency.

A nebulizer is a machine that converts liquid asthma medication into a gas. The nebulizer is beneficial for asthma patients who may have difficulty using an inhaler. Nebulizers are often used in asthma emergencies as well. The doctor treating asthma often considers the frequency and severity of the patient’s asthma symptoms when devising an asthma treatment plan for the patient.