Anti-inflammatory medications are often called preventers as they help to control the underlying inflammation in the airways associated with asthma.

They are sometimes classified as "long-term control medication". This is confusing as "long-acting control medication" also includes long-acting reliever medications which have a different way of working.

Preventers are taken daily whether asthma symptoms occur or not. A common mistake is for asthmatics to stop taking their preventer when they have fewer symptoms. Their asthma slowly worsens again, the need for relievers increases and this can result in a serious, uncontrolled asthma attack. Never stop your preventive medication without consulting your doctor.

It is current medical practice for anyone who uses a bronchodilator more than 3 - 4 times a week to take a preventer medication.

Some of the different types of preventers.

There are three types of preventers:

Steroids can be inhaled or taken in a pill form and are the most commonly prescribed prescribed preventers. They are are the most effective anti­inflammatory drugs available and are considered an essential treatment for moderate to severe asthmatics.
 
Non-steroidal Preventers (cromolyn & nedocromil) are commonly prescribed as a long-term asthma drug in children or very mild asthmatics. They are also sometimes prescribed to take prior to exercise or allergy exposure. They have very mild side-effects.
 
Anti-Leukotrines are oral medications which work by blocking leukotrienes, powerful chemicals that are involved in the inflammatory process associated with asthma. They have recently been introduced, so their exact drug treatment role is still being determined.

Many people have been told that they will need steroid medication for the rest of their lives, which may be upsetting, due to steroid side effects. A 1992 study suggests however, that the use of corticosteroids reduces the risk of fatal or near-fatal asthma by tenfold, so using them could well keep you alive.

There are three ways that preventers help the asthmatic:

Prevent mast cells from releasing histamine and other chemicals
 
Prevent or reverse the inflammation found in the airway wall
 
Reduce the amount of calcium reaching the airway muscle cells which cause bronchoconstriction