Other types of corticosteroids, including prednisone and prednisolone, are available in tablets or syrups. These drugs are highly effective and may be easier for some people to take. However, when used for a long time, they can cause thinning of the bones, obesity, diabetes, and other serious side effects. Cromoglycate and nedocromil are relatively mild drugs that can reduce inflammation with few or no side effects. However, they aren't as powerful as the corticosteroids and are not a good choice for people with severe asthma.
Drugs known as bronchodilators can prevent attacks by widening the airways.
Long-acting drugs such as salmeterol and formoterol, taken through an inhaler, can keep you breathing freely for at least nine hours with minimal side effects. You can inhale these medications whenever you feel an attack coming on, or, better yet, monitor yourself with a peak-flow meter and inhale them whenever it shows you need help. You can also use them as a hedge against situations that might cause an attack. While medications bring your disease under control, you can do your part by avoiding the things that irritate your lungs and trigger attacks. One of the worst offenders is tobacco smoke.