What role do anti-inflammatory drugs play in asthma treatment?

Anti-inflammatory drugs are a cornerstone of asthma treatment primarily because they decrease airway inflammation. In asthma, the airways are often inflamed, which leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. By using anti-inflammatory medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, patients can effectively reduce this inflammation. This helps to improve airway function, decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and enhance overall respiratory health.

Managing inflammation is crucial because chronic inflammation contributes to airway hyper-reactivity, making the airways respond excessively to various stimuli, such as allergens or irritants. By targeting this underlying inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent asthma symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.

In contrast to other options, these drugs do not speed up recovery from infections, stabilize the airways in a mechanical sense, or increase secretions in the lungs. Instead, their primary purpose is to treat and manage the inflammatory response that characterizes asthma.