Which statement about systemic corticosteroids in asthma management is true?

Which statement about systemic corticosteroids in asthma management is true?

• A. They are never associated with long-term adverse effects.
• B. They reduce airway inflammation and can prevent exacerbations.
• C. They are primarily used to bronchodilate by relaxing smooth muscle.
• D. They cure asthma with a single course.

Answer: (B)

Systemic corticosteroids target the inflammation at the heart of asthma. By dampening inflammatory gene expression, reducing the recruitment and activity of inflammatory cells, and decreasing airway edema and mucus production, they lessen airway hyperresponsiveness. This makes them effective at shortening or preventing exacerbations, especially when control is poor or during severe flares. They are not a cure for asthma, and long-term use carries risks like growth effects in children, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, which is why they’re used for short bursts during exacerbations or in carefully managed regimens for severe cases. The other statements misstate their role: they do not bronchodilate by relaxing smooth muscle, and a single course does not cure asthma.

Systemic corticosteroids target the inflammation at the heart of asthma. By dampening inflammatory gene expression, reducing the recruitment and activity of inflammatory cells, and decreasing airway edema and mucus production, they lessen airway hyperresponsiveness. This makes them effective at shortening or preventing exacerbations, especially when control is poor or during severe flares. They are not a cure for asthma, and long-term use carries risks like growth effects in children, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, which is why they’re used for short bursts during exacerbations or in carefully managed regimens for severe cases. The other statements misstate their role: they do not bronchodilate by relaxing smooth muscle, and a single course does not cure asthma.