Beta-agonists for treatment of asthma

Beta-agonists are a major class of medications for asthma. These drugs can be taken orally, but they are most commonly and effectively administered by operating a metered-dose, handheld, aerosol canister. They provide rapid relief of asthmatic wheezing and shortness of breath. Activating the canister releases a puff of drug-saturated aerosol, which is carried directly to the twitchy smooth muscle in the airways. This direct action quells the symptoms rapidly. Because beta-agonists work almost instantaneously, they are extremely satisfying to use, but they treat only the symptoms of asthma, not the underlying inflammation.