Treatment options Published by Australian Academy of Science Sponsored by Treatment for asthma is mainly by medication. Preventers can stop the airways becoming obstructed. They do this by preventing the inner lining from becoming inflamed and from producing too much mucus. These medicines are therefore called anti-inflammatory agents. They must be used carefully because they can cause side-effects.
Relievers are a different class of drug.
They are designed to relieve the symptoms once an attack is underway. They can also be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma. The majority are called bronchodilators because they dilate the airways. They do this by making the muscles around the airways relax. There are many different types.