For some people, avoidance techniques and lifestyle modifications will not be enough to control symptoms. In such situations, medications may be needed. Asthma medications can be divided into one of two categories:

• Quick-relief medications. Also called "rescue" medications, these are designed to instantly relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. They are usually not meant to be taken long-term.
  
  
• Long-term-control medications. These are designed to be used regularly to minimize inflammation and prevent asthma flare-ups before they occur. Topical corticosteroids are most often used. Long-acting beta2 agonists are added when a patient's symptoms are uncontrolled with corticosteroids alone.

Asthma medications are delivered in various forms, including:

• Pills. Solid form of medication that is swallowed or chewed. The medication dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach and intestines.
  
  
• Inhalers. Aerosol devices that allow medications to be delivered directly to the interior of the lungs through inhalation.

• Nebulizers. Devices that convert liquid medication into a fine mist that can then be inhaled into the lungs.

Asthma medications must be taken as prescribed to be effective. Many asthmatics overuse quick-relief medications and underuse long-term control medications. Proper asthma management requires the patient to use medications appropriately. Patients who find themselves increasingly using their quick-relief medications should contact their physician. They may require changes in their asthma management plan.

Current asthma treatment focuses primarily on preventing or reducing the inflammation process, and relaxing the smooth muscle that tightens during bronchospasm. Healthcare professionals use asthma medications with two goals in mind:

1. To keep the airway clear so the patient can breathe normally.
   
   
2. To prevent airway remodeling, a thickening of the bronchial walls that can result from chronic inflammation and lead to permanent damage.

Bronchodilators are the primary class of medications used to treat asthma. These widen a person's airways by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscle. Short-acting bronchodilators (such as beta2 agonists) provide immediate rescue relief of asthma symptoms and should be used only when necessary. Long-acting bronchodilators (which include long-acting beta2 agonists) relieve symptoms for longer periods of time and are used once in the morning, and once at night.

It is important to not overuse these medications. Such abuse can make an asthmatic condition worse and possibly even increase the risk of death from asthma.

Other asthma medications stop an asthma attack before it starts by preventing the bronchial inflammation that constricts airways and hampers breathing. These drugs include:

• Corticosteroids. Medications similar to the body's hormones that prevent/reduce the inflammation associated with asthma. They are usually given by inhalation. 
  
  
• Leukotriene modifiers. Medications that inhibit the role of leukotrienes, which are a type of chemical involved in an asthma attack. They may be taken daily or several times a day to prevent an asthma attack from occurring.
  
  
• Mast cell stabilizers. Medications that prevent mast cells from triggering reactions that can lead to an asthma attack or allergic reaction. This class of drug is rarely prescribed.