Asthma symptoms can be attacked from a multitude of fronts. Prevention is a simple way to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Reduced exposure to irritants and allergens that induce asthma attacks is an obvious step. Prevention can also be achieved through the use of medication in moderate to severe asthma cases. When asthma symptoms do occur even with efforts to prevent asthma, there are medications that relieve symptoms in just a few minutes.

Quick Relief Medications

Anticholinergics -- These are often used in conjunction with short-acting beta-agonists. They work by blocking acetylcholine receptors, which leads to a relaxation of the smooth muscle surrounding bronchial tubes

Short-Acting Beta-Agonists -- This type of medication also works by relaxing the smooth muscle around bronchial tubes during an asthma attack.

Steroid Pills and Syrups -- These work by reducing the swelling associated with asthma attacks. They are used with other medications to speed up the effects of the other medications

Long Term Control Medications

Anti-IgE -- IgE tells immune cells to release histamine into the blood stream. Since histamine may induce such symptoms as coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, hives and swelling, blocking IgE could alleviate asthma symptoms. Anti-IgE attaches to IgE in the blood, which prevents the release of histamine and the IgE allergic reaction.

Cortisteroids -- Corticosteroids are very good at reducing inflammation (swelling) and mucus production in the airways of the lungs. They also help other quick-relief medicines work better.

Leukotriene Modifiers -- Leukotriene modifiers are long-term control asthma medications. They reduce swelling inside the airways and relax smooth muscles around the airways. They are effective at improving asthma symptoms and lung function, but not to the same extent as inhaled steroids

Theophylline -- Theophylline, another long-term control medication, is available as a tablet, capsule, or syrup. Theophylline relaxes the smooth muscles around the airways. Usually theophylline is prescribed if other medications are not proving very effective.