Asthma is an often chronic disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, wheezing and coughing. Though there is no cure for asthma, multiple medications are available for the treatment of the symptoms associated with asthma. Many of these medications are available in the form of an inhaler that delivers the medication directly to the lungs.
Beta-Agonist Inhaler
One common type of inhaler medication prescribed for the treatment of asthma is called a beta-agonist inhaler. There are three major ways in which asthma makes it difficult to breathe: swelling in the airways; production of mucus that blocks the airways; and constriction of muscles surrounding the airways. All three reduce the space for air to flow into and out of the lungs. According to MedlinePlus, beta-agonist inhalers act to treat or prevent the symptoms associated with asthma by relaxing the constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways. MedlinePlus reports that there are two types of beta-agonist medications. One is long acting, one short acting. Long-acting beta-agonist medications are often used daily to prevent muscle constriction around the lungs; these medications last up to 12 hours. Salmeterol is an example of a long-acting beta-agonist. Short-acting beta-agonist inhalers, such as albuterol, are also used to prevent asthma attacks but can be used as a "rescue inhaler" to treat attacks as well.
Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids are a second type of inhaler commonly used to treat asthma. According to the Mayo Clinic, inhaled corticosteroids are often used every day--like long-acting beta-agonists--but have a different mechanism of action. Corticosteroids treat asthma symptoms by decreasing the inflammation in the lungs, thus reducing the swelling and mucus production that decrease the space for air to flow into and out of the lungs. Flovent is one type of inhaled corticosteroid.
Combination Inhalers
A third type of inhaler commonly used to treat asthma is called a combination inhaler. This type of inhaler combines the long-acting beta-agonist and the steroid to treat asthma by treating the muscle constriction and the inflammation. Brand-name drugs that are combination inhalers include Advair and Symbicort.
