Asthma Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Bronchodilators and Asthma

One type of asthma drug is used by almost all people with the condition: a bronchodilator. Short-acting bronchodilators are used only as needed as asthma "quick relief" or "rescue" medications, while long-acting bronchodilators are used every day to control asthma in conjunction with an inhaled steroid. Bronchodilators open up the airways so that it is easier for air to move through.

Signs of a Pending Asthma Attack

What Types of Bronchodilators Stop Asthma Symptoms?

For treating asthma symptoms, the three types of bronchodilators are 1) beta-agonists, 2) anticholinergics, and 3) theophylline. These bronchodilators are available in inhaled, tablet, liquid, and injectable forms, but the preferred method of taking the beta-agonists and anticholinergics is by inhalation.

What Are the Short-Acting Bronchodilators?

Short-acting bronchodilators are called "quick-acting," "reliever," or "rescue" medications. These bronchodilators relieve acute asthma symptoms or attacks very quickly by opening the airways. The rescue medications are best for treating sudden asthma symptoms. The action of inhaled bronchodilators starts within minutes after inhalation and lasts for two to four hours. Short-acting bronchodilators are also used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

For more information, see WebMD's article on Asthma Inhalers.

Short-acting bronchodilators can be used in an asthma nebulizer (breathing machine) to treat an asthma attack at home. The problem with oral forms of bronchodilators compared with asthma inhalers is that they tend to have more side effects. Contrary to this, bronchodilators delivered with asthma inhalers go directly into the airways and have fewer side effects.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's article on Asthma Nebulizers (Breathing Machines).

Overuse of short-acting bronchodilators, whether in asthma inhalers, in tablets, or in liquid, is a sign of uncontrolled asthma that needs better treatment. If you need to use your short-acting bronchodilators more than twice a week, talk with your doctor about improving your asthma controller therapy.

Short-Acting Bronchodilator Inhalers Available in the United States Include:

Albuterol ( AccuNeb , Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, also available as a generic solution for nebulizers)
Alupent ( Metaproterenol , available as a generic solution for nebulizers, see below)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
Pirbuterol (Maxair)

What Are the Long-Acting Bronchodilators for Relieving Asthma Symptoms?

The long-acting bronchodilators are used to provide control -- not quick relief -- of asthma. They should only be used in conjunction with inhaled steroids for long-term control of asthma symptoms. The long-acting bronchodilators are used twice a day.

Long-Acting Bronchodilator Asthma Inhalers Available in the United States Include:

Advair and Symbicort (a combination of a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid)
Serevent (salmeterol)
Foradil (formoterol)
Perforomist (formoterol solution for nebulizers)

Long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilators increase the risk of death from asthma and should only be used as additional treatment for people who are also using an inhaled steroid. For details, see their black-box warning.