What is the primary purpose of using inhaled corticosteroids in asthma?

The primary purpose of using inhaled corticosteroids in asthma is to reduce inflammation. Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, which leads to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Inhaled corticosteroids are effective anti-inflammatory medications that help to decrease the overall inflammation in the airways, allowing for improved airflow and reduced frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

By targeting the underlying inflammation, these medications help to prevent symptoms and maintain better control of asthma over time. They are not intended to provide immediate relief of acute bronchoconstriction, which is why they differ from other types of medications like bronchodilators that act quickly to relax the muscles around the airways. Additionally, inhaled corticosteroids do not increase lung capacity specifically and are not used to treat infections, making their primary function clear in the context of asthma management.