What role do corticosteroids play in managing respiratory conditions?

Corticosteroids play a crucial role in managing respiratory conditions primarily by reducing inflammation in the airways. Many respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are characterized by inflammation and swelling of the air passages. By delivering corticosteroids, either systemically or through inhalation, the inflammation is decreased, which leads to improved airflow and reduced symptoms. This anti-inflammatory action helps to alleviate wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, providing significant relief to patients.

In contrast, while increasing airflow or enhancing lung volume are benefits experienced indirectly when inflammation is controlled, those effects are not the direct actions of corticosteroids themselves. Also, detecting lung capacity is a function of pulmonary function tests and does not involve corticosteroid therapy. The primary therapeutic focus of corticosteroids in respiratory management is their potent ability to combat airway inflammation.