This type of medicine is considered to be the most effective for long-term control of asthma in most people who have asthma. They work by reducing swelling in your airways. When your airways are healthy, you are less likely to have an asthma attack. Examples of inhaled corticosteroids are:
This is the newest kind of drugs for treating asthma. Leukotrienes are a type of chemical in the body that are involved in causing the inflammation that occurs in the airways with asthma. This type of medicine interferes with the leukotrienes in your body. Some of these drugs stop leukotrienes from being made in your body, while others block leukotrienes action. That, in turn, helps to reduce and prevent swelling inside your airways before it starts. This kind of medicine also stops mucus from forming and lessens muscle tightening around the airways. Examples of leukotriene modifiers are:
This kind of asthma drug is similar in action to the short-acting beta agonists used as quick-relief medicines. However, long-acting types are better for prevention because they take longer to take effect. They are usually taken via a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Examples of this type of medicine are:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
This type of asthma medicine blocks the action of mast cells in the body that release certain chemicals that induce inflammation in your airways. Thus, they block the airway swelling and tightening and extra mucus production that come with inflammation. Examples include:
Combination Medicines
Combination medicines are made from two different types of asthma medicines that work together for greater affect. Inhaled corticosteroids are often paired with long-acting beta agonists. Together they work to both open the airways and reduce the inflammation of asthma. Advair is a common combination asthma drug.
Long-acting bronchodilators are drugs that cause the airways to relax and widen. They were among the first asthma medicines and can be quite effective. Unfortunately, they can also cause side effects, especially if they build up in the blood to toxic levels. So, today, doctors tend to prefer the safer, newer asthma medicines. Theophylline is probably the most well-known of this type of asthma medicine.
Immunomodulators are a new class of asthma medications that are used as an add-on therapy in people who have severe persistent asthma with allergies that has not responded adequately to inhaled steroids. Currently, the only available immunomodulator in the U.S. is Xolair.
Some people don't get the response to asthma medicines that they and their doctors would like them to have. They may not get adequate control, even from a variety of medicines or combinations of medicines. Or, they may experience unwanted and troublesome side effects to their asthma medication. Still others find the idea of long-term medication to be unacceptable.
If any of the descriptions above sound like you and you also experience asthma symptoms that are frequently triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, then immunotherapy, known as allergy shots, may be an option for you. But allergy shots are not right for everyone who has asthma, so your best bet is to talk it over with your doctor before making any decisions.
Explore non-medicine asthma treatments
