Which medication is considered a mainstay for managing moderate persistent asthma?

Daily inhaled steroids are indeed recognized as the mainstay for managing moderate persistent asthma. These medications, known as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), play a crucial role in reducing inflammation in the airways, which is a central component of asthma pathology. By controlling airway inflammation, inhaled steroids help to improve lung function, reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and allow for better overall asthma control.

Inhaled corticosteroids are typically administered daily to achieve effective management of asthma symptoms, and they can significantly improve quality of life for patients with moderate persistent asthma. The goal of long-term control with these medications is to minimize the need for rescue medications, maintain normal lung function, and reduce the risk of exacerbations.

Other treatments, such as short-acting bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and oral antihistamines, have specific roles in asthma management but do not serve as the primary therapy for routine control of moderate persistent asthma. Short-acting bronchodilators are effective for quick relief during acute asthma symptoms rather than for ongoing management. Systemic corticosteroids are often used for short-term management of exacerbations rather than as a long-term controller. Oral antihistamines primarily manage allergic symptoms and do not directly address the underlying inflammation characteristic