Which medication is used to prevent asthma attacks?

Which medication is used to prevent asthma attacks?

• A. Short-acting beta-agonists
• B. Inhaled steroids
• C. Leukotriene inhibitors
• D. Oral steroids

Answer: (B)

Preventing asthma attacks hinges on controlling airway inflammation on a daily basis. Inhaled corticosteroids are the main long-term controller for persistent asthma in children. When used regularly, they dampen the underlying inflammation, reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, and lessen the frequency and severity of attacks over time. Short-acting beta-agonists provide rapid relief during symptoms or before exercise but do not prevent future attacks; relying on them without anti-inflammatory control can lead to poorer overall asthma management. Leukotriene inhibitors can help some patients as an add-on or alternative therapy, but they aren’t as consistently effective as inhaled steroids for preventing attacks. Oral steroids are potent anti-inflammatories reserved for severe or acute flare-ups and are not used routinely for prevention due to systemic side effects.

Preventing asthma attacks hinges on controlling airway inflammation on a daily basis. Inhaled corticosteroids are the main long-term controller for persistent asthma in children. When used regularly, they dampen the underlying inflammation, reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, and lessen the frequency and severity of attacks over time.

Short-acting beta-agonists provide rapid relief during symptoms or before exercise but do not prevent future attacks; relying on them without anti-inflammatory control can lead to poorer overall asthma management. Leukotriene inhibitors can help some patients as an add-on or alternative therapy, but they aren’t as consistently effective as inhaled steroids for preventing attacks. Oral steroids are potent anti-inflammatories reserved for severe or acute flare-ups and are not used routinely for prevention due to systemic side effects.