Cortisone like drugs, particularly prednisone, are taken by mouth or beclomethazone by inhalation. Prednisone pills are used to get asthma back under control. Afterwards the inhaled form is used for maintenance because the much smaller dose has fewer side effects. Two other drugs have an effect on both the bronchial spasm and the inflammation. They are both useful for maintenance.
Theophylline is a relative of caffeine and can cause sleep problems.
Cromolyn's main problems are cost and not working well for everyone. It is important for the asthmatic to know that we are careful to use high dose prednisone for relatively short times only. Prednisone can also be used occasionally to make special events, like Christmas with cat owning grandchildren, possible. Talk to your doctor if there is something you especially want to do for a brief period. Increased fluid intake at the time of the attack loosens up the tenacious mucus plugging some of the bronchioles.