People with asthma need to take right medications regularly in order to prevent worsening of asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, and reduce the risks of asthma attacks. The most common medications are:

 Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA) like albuterol relax the muscles in the constricted airways. In this way, they provide quick relief from asthma symptoms. They are inhaled with the help of a metered dose inhaler. They should be used only once or twice per week.

 Inhaled steroids reduce inflammation (redness and swelling) and irritation of the airways.  With long-term treatment from inhaled steroids, the sensitivity to allergens and other asthma triggers reduces. They are taken once or twice daily.

Long-acting bronchodilators work in the same way as quick-relief medications. However, their effects last for a greater length of time (at least 12 hours).

Cromolyn hampers the function of allergy cells and thus help in reducing inflammation of the airways. Since it is less effective than inhaled steroids, it is taken 3 to 4 times daily.

Leukotriene inhibitors are taken as pills. They reduce inflammation of the airways, and decrease the amount of mucus produced by the airway lining cells. They are also less effective than inhaled steroids.