How do corticosteroids assist individuals with asthma?

Corticosteroids are a crucial component in managing asthma due to their primary role in reducing airway inflammation. Asthma often involves inflammation and swelling of the airways, which can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. By administering corticosteroids, either systemically or through inhalation, the inflammatory response in the airways is diminished.

This reduction in inflammation helps to open up the airways, making it easier for air to flow in and out of the lungs, thus alleviating asthma symptoms and improving overall lung function. Additionally, with less inflammation, individuals with asthma are less likely to experience asthma attacks and may require less frequent use of rescue medications.

Other options, while they may relate to respiratory health, do not directly address the mechanism through which corticosteroids alleviate asthma symptoms.