Long-Term Relief Medications These medications are taken on a
regular basis to prevent asthma attacks and control chronic
symptoms. Corticosteroids, also called glucocorticoids or
steroids, are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Steroids are not
bronchodilators (they do not relax the airways) and have little
immediate effect on symptoms. Instead, they work over time to
reduce inflammation and prevent permanent injury in the lungs.
They can also help prevent asthma attacks from occurring. The
use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate-to-
severe asthma reduces the risk of rehospitalization and death
from asthma. Taking a corticosteroid drug through an inhaler
makes it possible to provide effective local anti inflammatory
activity in the lungs with very few side effects elsewhere in
the body. (By contrast, oral steroids have considerable side
effects throughout the body.) Inhaled corticosteroids are
recommended as the primary therapy for any patient needing long-
term control medications for persiste