What class of medications is commonly used to manage asthma?

In the management of asthma, corticosteroids play a crucial role due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, which leads to increased airway hyper-responsiveness, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction. Corticosteroids help reduce this inflammation, thus improving airway function and decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks.

Corticosteroids can be administered systemically or inhaled, with inhaled corticosteroids being the first-line treatment for long-term control of persistent asthma. They help control and prevent asthma symptoms by reducing airway swelling and limiting airway obstruction caused by inflammation.

Other classes of medications, such as bronchodilators, are also important in asthma management, particularly for providing quick relief from acute symptoms. However, they primarily focus on relaxing the muscles around the airways, rather than addressing the underlying inflammation that corticosteroids do. Antihistamines and statins are not typically associated with effective management of asthma, as they address different conditions and pathways unrelated to the primary mechanisms involved in asthma.