There are a broad range of treatments for asthma, in three categories.
Controllers
These are medications taken routinely to help keep the airway open and reduce inflammation. They include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone (brand name Flovent)
- Leukotriene modifiers are oral medications such as montelukast (Singulair)
- Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are inhaled medications such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus)
- Combination inhalers that include corticosteroids and LABAs
Quick-relief medications
These rescue meds are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack. They include:
- Short-acting beta agonists are inhaled bronchodilators such as albuterol (Ventolin HFA)
- Oral and intravenous corticosteroids such as prednisone
Allergy treatments
These can include:
- Immunotherapy injections that gradually reduce your immune system reaction to specific allergens
- Omalizumab (Xolair), an injectable medication for people with severe asthma and allergies
- Medications such as oral and nasal spray antihistamines