Quick-relief medications

These asthma medications — sometimes called short-acting beta agonists (SABA) — open the lungs by relaxing airway muscles. Often called rescue medications, they can ease worsening symptoms or stop an asthma attack in progress. They begin working within minutes and are effective for 4 to 6 hours. They're not for daily use.

Some people use a quick-relief inhaler before exercise to help prevent shortness of breath and other asthma symptoms. Possible side effects include jitteriness and a rapid heartbeat (palpitations).

Quick-relief medications include:

• Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, others)
• Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

If your symptoms are minor and infrequent or if you have exercise-induced asthma, you might manage your symptoms with one of these medications alone. However, most people with persistent asthma also need an inhaled corticosteroid or other long-term control medication.

If you need to use your inhaler more often than your health care provider recommends, your asthma is not under control — and you may be increasing your risk of a serious asthma attack. Talk with your provider about adjusting your therapy.