This article is from the Asthma FAQ, by Patricia Wrean and Marie Goldenberg mwg@radix.net with numerous contributions by others.
An acute asthma attack is usually treated with bronchodilators
to reduce the constriction of the airways. Intravenous adrenalin
and theophylline are often given in emergency rooms for this
purpose, if short-acting bronchodilators given by nebulizer
haven't sufficiently controlled the attack.
Once the acute attack is over, anti-inflammatories may be used to
reduce the inflammation of the airways. Inhaled steroids are
usually the first choice, but for a sufficiently severe attack,
oral steroids such as prednisone may also be given.
 
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