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Asthma management – medications

by — Last updated: 2022-09-25 in Respiratory tract disorders and diseases

Table of Contents

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway sometimes constricts and becomes inflamed. Also, the respiratory lining produces excessive amounts of thick mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.


Asthma medications include those that prevent and control asthma symptoms, and those that reduce airway inflammation. We can divide these medications into two big groups- quick-relief and long-term control medications.

Quick-relief medications include:

Bronchodilators: These medications are also called the “rescue medications" because they are used during active asthma attacks. Their purpose is to open up the bronchial tubes so that more air can flow through. They come in several forms such as inhalation medications, tablets, liquids or injections.

Corticosteroids: Usually administered for short-term use orally or by injection to speed up the resolution of airway inflammation, corticosteroids have the same purpose as bronchodilators.

Long-term control medications

These medications should be taken daily to control the airway inflammation. Therefore, there is no point in using them during an asthma attack.

  • Inhaled corticosteroids are probably the most effective long-term therapy available for persistent asthma.
  • Cromolyn or Nedocromil stop the development of inflammation in the lungs, as well as help prevent it. Although they are not as effective as corticosteroids, they are generally considered much safer.
  • Leukotriene modifiers are also extremely effective medications which work to fight potent chemicals called leukotrienes. This, of course, reduces airway inflammation. 
  • Methylxanthines are drugs that provide mild to moderate dilation of the airways and may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. The most commonly used is Theophylline.
  • Anti-IgE-medications are also useful. Omalizumab shows best results when used by patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. IgE is an antibody that we all have, responsible for causing allergic reactions in some people. Another drug from this class is Xolair, which is delivered by injection every two to four weeks. Like with any other medication, it can cause some side effects; risks include the possibility of a severe reaction within two hours of receiving the shot, blood-clotting problems, and a possible link to cancer.