Asthma and COPD are chronic inflammatory airway disorders with systemic manifestations. The two diseases have different airway inflammation, features of airway remodelling with subsequent pathophysiology and clinical presentation. The international management guidelines recommend stepwise pharmacotherapy depending on disease control and÷or disease stage, comprising relievers and overall uniform controller treatment, despite the heterogeneity across the conditions and treatment response. Despite effective medications per se, still too many patients remain uncontrolled and no treatment can definitely cure either of the conditions. This overview includes currently recommended pharmacotherapeutic options with novel and future treatment targets.