What role do corticosteroids play in asthma treatment?

Corticosteroids play a crucial role in asthma treatment primarily by reducing inflammation in the airways. Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation and hyperreactivity of the airways, which leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help decrease this inflammation, making the airways less swollen and more open, which ultimately leads to improved airflow and reduced asthma symptoms.

This anti-inflammatory effect is vital for long-term asthma management because it addresses the underlying issues that cause asthma exacerbations. By controlling inflammation, corticosteroids help to prevent asthma attacks and improve overall lung function. It is important to note that while they are effective for long-term control, they are not intended for immediate relief, which is why patients often use bronchodilators for quick symptom relief.

In contrast, other options present different mechanisms of action. Fast-acting bronchodilators provide immediate relief by relaxing muscles around the airways, antihistamines target allergic responses rather than inflammation, and increasing mucus production would be counterproductive in managing asthma.