For more chronic asthma, the inhaled corticosteroids or inhaled cromolyn are now considered the best initial therapy. Theophylline can be added in more severe cases. Brief courses of oral corticosteroids are frequently used, but prolonged use of these medications is reserved only for severe asthma. The proper drug or combination of drugs will depend upon the prescribing physician as well as the course of the disorder. Some drug treatments are best administered as a mist through a breathing apparatus.
Strong bronchodilators can relieve the attack by relaxing the spasms in the bronchioles.
In this situation the patient may be attached to a mechanical respirator to aid breathing. Treatment with oral corticosteroids at home for the high-risk patient may decrease the need for hospitalization. The appropriate medication should be taken prior to events known to trigger an episode-before exercise, for example. A person with allergic asthma should sleep in a room without carpets or rugs. Blankets and pillows of synthetic fiber reduce the risk of house dust and mites.