Which medication class is primarily used for managing asthma?

Inhaled corticosteroids are widely recognized as the first-line treatment for managing asthma. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, which is a fundamental aspect of asthma pathology. By decreasing inflammation, inhaled corticosteroids help to prevent asthma symptoms, reduce the frequency of asthma attacks, and improve overall lung function. This class of medication addresses the underlying inflammation rather than just alleviating symptoms.

While bronchodilators are important in the management of asthma, especially for relief during acute episodes, they primarily provide symptomatic relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways. Antihistamines are primarily used for allergic reactions and are not effective in managing the chronic inflammation characteristic of asthma. Mucolytics work on thinning mucus, which may benefit certain respiratory conditions but is not a primary treatment for asthma management. Inhaled corticosteroids stand out as the essential therapy for long-term control in asthmatic patients.