Treatment asthma

Most asthma medications work by relaxing bronchospasm (bronchodilators) or reducing inflammation (corticosteroids). In the treatment of asthma, inhaled medications are generally preferred over tablet or liquid medicines which are swallowed (oral medications). Inhaled medications act directly on the airway surface and airway muscles where the asthma problems initiate. Absorption of inhaled medications into the rest of the body is minimal. Therefore, adverse side effects are fewer as compared to oral medications.

1. Inhaled steroids (such as Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, Flovent) prevent inflammation
2. Leukotriene inhibitors (such as Singulair and Accolate)
3. Anti-IgE therapy (Xolair), a medicine given by injection to patients with more severe asthma
4. Long-acting bronchodilators (such as Serevent) help open airways
5. Cromolyn sodium (Intal) or nedocromil sodium
6. Aminophylline or theophylline (not used as frequently as in the past)
7. Short-acting bronchodilators (inhalers), such as Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, and others.
8. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone given by mouth or into a vein