It is difficult to live with any kind of illness, especially with those that cannot be cured. Asthma is one such disorder causing trouble in breathing. However, there are specific treatment options for asthma that can relieve patients of the symptoms. Here are some of these.

Anti-inflammatories
Since it is an inflammatory illness affecting the airways to the lungs, anti-inflammatory medications can help in relieving the symptoms of asthma. These symptoms mainly occur due to swelling in the airways leading to tightening of the muscles, and mucus filling the airways, which further restricts the passing of the air. Anti-inflammatories can help in the reduction of the swelling and production of mucus. These medications are taken with an inhaler.

Anticholinergics
Mostly taken with anti-inflammatories, these help in preventing muscles around the airways from tightening. The swelling can constrict the space for air to reach the lungs. This is one of the long-term treatment options for asthma.  

Bronchial thermoplasty
This treatment is mainly for patients with severe asthma. It involves heating the air in the lungs. This helps in bringing down the size of the muscle, preventing it from tightening.

Bronchodilators
This is a common treatment option for asthma. It offers quick relief and is taken through a rescue or a nebulizer. Bronchodilators help by relaxing the tightened muscles in the airways.

Biologics
This is delivered in the body through shots or infusions. Biologics are usually recommended only if other popular treatment options do not work as these are more expensive than most of them. These shots are aimed at preventing inflammation in the airways.

Oral corticosteroids
This involves ingesting corticosteroids either in the form of a tablet or a liquid when no other medications work. It may be used as a long-term treatment for some.

Leukotriene modifiers
Leukotriene is a chemical that is one of the culprits causing the tightening of the airways during asthma attacks. This works only for asthma attacks that are caused by an allergy and is taking for prevention and treatment of the same. Taken in the form of a pill, some of the approved leukotriene modifiers for asthma include zileuton, montelukast, and zafirlukast.

Tiotropium
Tiotropium was approved as a treatment for asthma by FDA in 2015. This makes a significant difference when inhaled with a high dosage of corticosteroids and short-acting beta-agonists. Tiotropium is also an important medication used for treating COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Combination of short-acting anticholinergic and short-acting beta-agonist
Some asthma patients may be prescribed both an anticholinergic and bet-agonist. Inhaling a combination of these two compounds is the best way to take it if both are prescribed. This is taken as a quick relief measure for relieving symptoms as well as during an asthma attack.