What is the primary medication class used in the management of asthma?

In managing asthma, bronchodilators are a primary medication class used to provide quick relief from airflow obstruction. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, which helps to widen the air passages and improve breathing during an asthma attack or when symptoms flare up. There are two main types of bronchodilators: short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) for immediate relief and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) for ongoing control.

While corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories are essential components of a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma, particularly for long-term control and reducing inflammation, the immediate management typically relies on bronchodilators to alleviate acute symptoms effectively. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are not routinely used in asthma management unless there is a coexisting bacterial infection, making them irrelevant in the context of asthma therapy.