Asthma sufferers require a range of medications to help keep constricted bronchial airways unobstructed for easier breathing. When the air passages encounter an allergen or irritant, they tighten, and bronchial tubes secrete mucous, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. There are liquid asthma treatments for the long-term control of the chronic respiratory disease, as well as for immediate relief from a sudden attack. Patients should always adhere to the prescription dosing set forth by a healthcare professional.
Albuterol
Albuterol is a fast-acting bronchodilator available as a liquid inhalation aerosol or a liquid nebulizer formula, according to Drugs.com. Albuterol treats and prevents bronchospasms in patients with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions. It is especially beneficial for those with exercise-induced asthma, MayoClinic.com reports. As a "rescue" medication, albuterol helps to immediately relax the smooth muscle around the bronchial airways for easier breathing. When combined with ipratorium, another liquid asthma medication, it is exceptionally effective as a fast-acting inhalation solution. Upon administration of albuterol in an inhaler, the liquid medication accompanies a chemical propellant for delivery into the lungs. Alternately, when used in a nebulizer, albuterol reverts to a vapor for easy inhalation.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are for individuals with mild asthma who require preventative or controller medication. MayoClinic.com states that asthmatics who have to use a rescue inhaler more than three times a week usually require a corticosteroid medication. Available in liquid forms, corticosteroids are long-term drugs that reduce inflammation associated with asthma. They are steroids that reduce swelling and soreness in the prevention of asthma symptoms. Budesonide, for example, is available in a liquid aerosol inhalation formula or as a liquid nebulizer treatment. Other medications include flunisolide, triamcinolone, fluticasone and beclomethasone.
Salmeterol
Similar to albuterol, salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist, or LABA, that opens up bronchial airways for increase air passage to the lungs, according to MayoClinic.com. Usually, this compound combines with a corticosteroid such as fluticasone for the long-term treatment of asthma in the form of an aerosol liquid. Unlike albuterol, salmeterol does not act quickly enough to resolve immediate symptoms.
