What Are the Main Types of Steroids and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Asthma?

The main types of anti-inflammatory drugs for better asthma control are steroids or corticosteroids. Other anti-inflammatory treatments include leukotriene modifiers and immunomodulators.


What Are Inhaled Steroids?
Inhaled steroids are the mainstay treatment for controlling asthma. The use of inhaled steroids leads to:

Better asthma control
Fewer symptoms and flare-ups
Reduced need for hospitalization
Note that while inhaled steroids help prevent asthma symptoms, they do not relieve asthma symptoms during an attack. Dosages of inhaled steroids in asthma inhalers vary.

Inhaled steroids need to be taken daily for best results. Some improvement in asthma symptoms can be seen in 1 to 3 weeks after starting inhaled steroids, with the best results seen after 3 months of daily use.
 

Inhaled steroid medications for better asthma control include:

Advair (a combination drug that includes a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator drug)
Arnuity Ellipta
Asmanex
Dulera (a combination drug that also includes a long-acting bronchodilator drug)
Flovent
Pulmicort
Qvar
Symbicort (a combination drug that includes a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator drug)
Inhaled steroids come in three forms: the metered dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI), and nebulizer solutions.