Quick-relief medicines-taken at the first signs of asthma symptoms for immediate relief of these symptoms. You will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes.
Long-term control medicines-taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to prevent symptoms and asthma episodes or attacks. You will feel the full effects of these medicines after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.

Quick-relief medicines

Everyone with asthma needs a quick-relief or "rescue" medicine to stop asthma symptoms before they get worse. Short-acting inhaled beta-agonists are the preferred quick-relief medicine. These medicines are bronchodilators. They act quickly to relax tightened muscles around your airways so that the airways can open up and allow more air to flow through.

You should take your quick-relief medicine when you first begin to feel asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. You should carry your quick-relief inhaler with you at all times in case of an asthma attack.

Your doctor may recommend that you take your quick-relief medicines at other times as well-for example, before exercise.

Long-term control medicines

The most effective, long-term control medicine for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid (kor-ti-ko-STE-roid) because this medicine reduces the airway swelling that makes asthma attacks more likely.

Inhaled corticosteroids (or steroids for short) are the preferred medicine for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are generally safe when taken as directed by your doctor.

In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short periods of time to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.

Other long-term control medicines include:

Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists. These medicines are bronchodilators, or muscle relaxers, not anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to help control moderate and severe asthma and to prevent nighttime symptoms. Long-acting beta-agonists are usually taken together with inhaled corticosteroid medicines.
Leukotriene modifiers (montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton), which are used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate or severe asthma.
Cromolyn and nedocromil, which are used to treat mild persistent asthma.
Theophylline, which is used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate persistent asthma. People who take theophylline should have their blood levels checked to be sure the dose is appropriate.

If you stop taking long-term control medicines, your asthma will likely worsen again. Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when symptoms worsen and long-term daily asthma control medicines to treat the ongoing inflammation.

Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medicine. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medicines. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma.

Most asthma medicines are inhaled. They go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers, and many require different techniques. It is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly.

Asthma treatment

and management commonly includes the things that trigger your attack as well as religiously taking the prescribed medication for your asthma. Asthma treatment varies from individual to another as asthma attack may be effective for one individual but may not give the same effectiveness to another individual.

People who have asthma but also develop nasal allergies may also need treatment for his allergies.
Most people who have asthma often use long term medicines with quick relief medications on their asthma attacks.
Work with your doctor to know which medication really works with your asthma attack.
Asthma symptoms can change dramatically in a period of time and certain medications may not be effective for the changes that is why anyone who have asthma should talk with his physician regarding the changes in medication.
Do not use medications that are not prescribed by your doctor.

Some long term control medications are inhaled corticosteroids, Leukotriene modifiers, long acting beta2 agonists, Theophylline, Cromolyn and Nedocromil

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common asthma medication that can be used for long term use. This medication is considered to be low risk medication for prolong use.

Leukotriene modifiers are used to open airways and to decrease production of the mucus.

Long acting beta2 agonists are inhaled medications that are used to open the airways and to lessen inflammation however these long acting bronchodilators are not recommended in quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Theophylline is an oral pill that helps in opening the airways.

Cromolyn and Nedocromil are inhaled medications that lessen the symptoms of asthma attack as well allergic reactions.

Changes in Albuterol Inhaler

Albuterol inhalers which contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellent are will be replaced with hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) inhalers by the end of 2008 as ordered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

HFA inhalers work the same as CFC inhalers but it is considered to be more environmentally friendly as they don't harm the ozone layer. If you are using the CFC inhalers, talk to your health care provider about switching to HFA inhaler.

Treatment according to severity of Asthma attack

Treatment of asthma is based depending on the severity of asthma that is why it is important that you work with your health care provider to manage your asthma.

If your asthma is well manage and controlled, the doctor will likely to prescribe less medicines but if your asthma is getting worse, the doctor will likely to increase your prescribed medicines and he may require more clinical check-ups.