A 34-year-old man presents to the emergency room with increasing shortness of breath. He has a past medical history of asthma that is previously well controlled but 2 weeks ago he developed a "cold" and has noticed increased coughing and shortness of breath ever since. He reports no fevers, chills, or sputum production. He is now using his salbutamol inhaler for rescue therapy 6 times a day and feels unwell. His physical examination is normal except for wheezing on expiration. A CXR is normal and he is prescribed prednisone 30 mg once a day for one week. Which of the following is the major effect of glucocorticoids in asthma?
Glucocorticoids are not bronchodilators, and their major use is in reducing airway inflammation. It is difficult to provide precise recommendations for their use, and a wide range of systemic and inhaled doses are used.
anti-inflammatory
bronchodilatory
sedative
mucus dissolving
Respiratory