Longer-acting or preventive medications, often referred to as controller medications, for younger children are usually limited to inhaled corticosteroids, Singulair, or cromolyn. No oral medications are currently available for prevention of asthma symptoms.

Cromolyn, which is often used with milder cases of asthma, can be given one of two ways: through an inhaler or with a nebulizer. The nebulized product, though, contains more medicine than the inhaled version. It must be used several times per day to be effective.

Inhaled corticosteroids are usually used with children who have persistent asthma symptoms. They can be used through a metered-dose inhaler or a nebulizer.

Singulair is an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that has been FDA approved for children six months and older. It is usually used as an adjunct controller medication with inhaled steroids for children with asthma and allergies.