There are two general classifications of asthma medications including long-term control medications and quick-relief medications.
 

Quick-acting bronchodilators are used for symptom relief and as a pretreatment for exercise-induced asthma. 
 

Anti-inflammatory agents play an essential role as controller medicines, taken even when symptoms are not present.  Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used anti-inflammatory medicines.  They prevent and decrease inflammation and reduce the need for quick-relief medications.   Short-courses of oral corticosteroids sometimes are added.  An inhaled beta2-agonist bronchodilator for quick-relief can be more effective when oral corticosteroids are added in hard to control asthma episodes.