Which medication class is typically first-line for long-term asthma control?

Inhaled corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for long-term asthma control due to their effectiveness in reducing airway inflammation, which is a key feature of asthma. These medications work by directly targeting the inflammation in the airways, thereby decreasing the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms, reducing the need for rescue medications, and improving overall lung function.

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids helps prevent asthma exacerbations and maintains better control of chronic symptoms. They have a well-established safety profile and are considered the foundation of asthma management, offering benefits that outweigh potential risks.

Other medication classes, while useful in various scenarios, do not serve as primary treatments for long-term control in the same way inhaled corticosteroids do. Antihistamines primarily address allergic reactions and are not specifically targeted for asthma control. Leukotriene modifiers can be adjuncts in asthma management but are typically not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids. Short-acting beta-agonists are rescue medications that provide quick relief of symptoms but do not address the underlying inflammation responsible for asthma's chronic nature.