Which medication class is used to manage asthma?

Bronchodilators are a key medication class used to manage asthma because they work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to open them up and make breathing easier. These medications are particularly effective during an asthma attack or when a person experiences shortness of breath, as they provide rapid relief of symptoms by dilating the airways. Common examples of bronchodilators include albuterol and levalbuterol, which are often administered through inhalers.

While other medication classes can be involved in asthma management—like corticosteroids that reduce inflammation or antihistamines that provide relief for allergy symptoms—the primary role of bronchodilators is to directly address the acute symptoms associated with asthma by improving airflow. Therefore, bronchodilators are essential for both the immediate relief of asthma symptoms and as part of a broader management strategy.