Corticosteroids are the most potent anti-inflammatory medicines available and inhaled corticosteroids have far less side effects than do the oral forms. Even though patients do not feel immediate relief after taking inhaled corticosteroids, these medicines improve asthma over time, decreasing the need for "fast-acting" medicines. Studies show that patients have more symptom-free days, that nighttime asthma is under better control, there are fewer urgent care visits, and a lower rate of hospitalizations and death from asthma in patients that take inhaled corticosteroids. Guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids as one of the first choices for long-term maintenance of persistent asthma, even in mild cases. 

Anti-leukotrienes (not a steroid), like Singulair tablets, also appear to decrease inflammation and may be another choice.