In which scenario would increasing a patient’s inhaled corticosteroid frequency be beneficial?

Increasing a patient’s inhaled corticosteroid frequency after a recent viral infection is beneficial because viral infections can lead to increased airway inflammation and can exacerbate asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. After an infection, the patient's airways may become more reactive, making them more prone to asthma attacks. Increasing the dosage or frequency of inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce this inflammation, restore control of asthma symptoms, and prevent further complications.

In scenarios like exercise or seasonal allergies, while a patient may experience asthma symptoms, the approach may not necessarily include increasing inhaled corticosteroid frequency but could involve bronchodilators or other treatments. If a patient is symptom-free, increasing medication would not be appropriate since the goal is to optimize control while minimizing medication use.