You can use xopenex as a reliever instead of albuterol. It's a purified form of albuterol, generally doesn't have the side effects (shakes, etc). Some people think it's more effective - I don't think they've decided if it really is.

I think steroids have a bad reputation because of the "other" steroids - the ones that athletes misuse, and the ones that are oral and used for medical purposes. *Inhaled* steroids - especially at the level that you are likely to need them - are very safe and effective as controllers. You have to rinse your mouth after using them (unless you use a spacer) to help prevent thrush, but so?