As an asthma sufferer, it's important to learn more about the different types of medicines that can help manage the constriction and inflammation that cause your asthma.

Some medicines are for sudden symptoms.

Inhaled fast-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol, which are known as rescue inhalers or fast-acting "puffers," should be taken only when sudden asthma symptoms occur. They work quickly to open the airways by relaxing airway muscles. They do not provide long-term asthma control to help prevent future attacks.

Some controller medicines treat airway constriction.

Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators treat airway constriction. They help keep the airways open by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways for up to 12 hours or longer. This can also help prevent airway constriction from occurring in the first place. However, inhaled long-acting bronchodilators should not be used to relieve sudden asthma symptoms.

Oral bronchodilators also help keep the airways open by relaxing the airways' muscles for up to six hours or longer. Because they are taken in pill form, rather than inhaled, they tend to work more slowly. With some of these medications, called theophyllines, dosages must be monitored carefully by blood testing. Oral bronchodilators should not be used to relieve sudden symptoms.

Leukotriene modifiers act against leukotrienes, one of many substances in the lungs that contribute to asthma symptoms. Leukotrienes have a role in causing airway constriction and swelling. Leukotriene modifiers are taken orally. They should not be used to relieve sudden asthma symptoms.

Some controller medicines treat airway inflammation.

Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation (swelling and irritation of the airways). According to the National Institutes of Health, inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term medication for people who need fast-acting (rescue) inhalers more than twice a week. These medications go directly to the airways.

Oral corticosteroids also reduce inflammation. They are used mainly to manage patients with frequent or severe asthma attacks. They are taken in pill form, rather than inhaled.

Cromolyn and nedocromil are mild anti-inflammatory medicines that help make the airways less sensitive to irritants. These inhaled medicines are prescribed more for children than for adults.

ADVAIR provides the benefits of two medications.

ADVAIR DISKUS is a controller medicine that treats the two main components of asthma—airway constriction and inflammation.

ADVAIR DISKUS won't replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.