Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines:
Controller Medicines and Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicines.

Controller Medicines
Controller medicines help prevent asthma symptoms. They help prevent or reduce the number of flare-ups you may have. The following are types of controller medicines:

• Inhaled corticosteroids—Reduce inflammation; usually recommended by experts as part of daily controller therapy
• Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators—Relax the muscles around the airways; always used with an inhaled corticosteroid
• Other controller medicines

• Leukotriene modifiers—Block the effects of leukotrienes, one of the chemicals produced with asthma
• Cromolyn/nedocromil—May block the release of chemicals that cause asthma symptoms
• Theophylline—May help control asthma symptoms; your doctor may need to check blood levels regularly

Controller medicines are taken every day, as directed by your doctor, even if you feel fine.

I worry about using inhaled steroids.

The steroids used to treat asthma are NOT the same as the steroids some athletes take to build muscle. These steroids are called anabolic steroids. Ask your doctor about the differences between steroids.

For complete information, including potential side effects and drug interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medicines
These medicines, used on an "as needed" basis, act quickly to relax the muscles around your airways. Your airways will open up and help you breathe better fast.

• Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators are the preferred quick-relief medicine.
• Use your quick-relief (rescue) medicine during a flare-up or before you exercise.
• Talk to your doctor if you use your quick-relief medicine more than 2 times a week.

Your doctor may also prescribe an oral corticosteroid. It may be used for short periods during moderate to severe flare-ups.

Take your asthma controller medicines as directed by your doctor. If you do, you:

• May have more days without asthma symptoms
• Won't have to use your quick-relief medicine as often
• May have fewer asthma symptoms at night
• May breathe better

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Other Tools

• My Medicine Schedule