Bronchodilators: Short-acting medications include albuterol and levalbuterol, pirbuterol, and terbutaline and are taken as rescue medications. Long-acting ones include salmeterol and formoterol and are used together with an anti-inflammatory drug every day.Work quickly and last for varying periods of time.

Open narrowed airways and relieve bronchoconstriction (spasms of the airways. Do little to reduce the chronic inflammation that makes bronchial tubes overly sensitive.

Help stop asthma attacks once they’ve begun, and are used as needed

Side effects include nervousness, increased heart rate, restlessness and insomnia. Using more than one short-acting canister a month or needing it more than three to four times a day is a red flag. This may mean your inflammation is not well-controlled. Talk to your doctor if you are using this medication too often.

Slow onset, long-acting bronchodilators (LABA) are used to provide long-term relaxation of spasms in the airways:Work slowly and last a long time. Must be used on a regular basis to be effective.