http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Quick relief medications are used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack.

Short-acting beta agonists – rapidly ease symptoms during an asthma attack.  Acts within minutes and can last up to several hours.

Ipratropium – relaxes the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Oral and intravenous corticosteroids – relieve airway inflammation caused by severe asthma. Can cause serious side effects when used long term, so they're used only on a short-term basis to treat symptoms.

Bronchial thermoplasty - heats the inside of the airways in the lungs with an electrode, reducing the smooth muscle inside the airways. This procedure limits the ability of the airways to tighten, making breathing easier and may reduce asthma attacks.

Asthma control – since asthma can’t be cured, only controlled, it is imperative that an individual learns to recognize what triggers an attack and making a conscious effort to avoid these triggers.  It is also important to have regular check-ups with one’s doctor and keep him/her abreast of the situation.