Beta Agonists

• Beta agonists such as albuterol are medications prescribed by your doctor that can be inhaled or taken through a nebulizer during an asthma attack.
  
  

Inhaled Bronchodilators

• Inhaled bronchodilators such as Atrovent can treat acute bronchial asthma and can be taken along with beta agonists.
  
  

Oral Bronchodilators

• Oral bronchodilators such as Theophylline are taken every day to reduce inflammation in your lungs and can be used with other types of asthma medications.
  
  

Leukotriene Modifiers

• Leukotriene modifiers such as Singulair reduce the amount of mucus your body makes and helps control inflammation in your lungs.
  
  

Oral Corticosteroids

• Oral corticosteroids are prescription pills that you take during an asthma attack to reduce inflammation in your lungs, shortening the duration of the attack.
  
  

Injected Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids may be injected into your body to quickly restore lung capacity if an asthma attack becomes a life-threatening emergency.
  
  

Oxygen

• When acute asthma becomes life threatening, you may be intubated and given oxygen through a ventilator until other medications are used to treat lung inflammation.