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?: (A) anti-inflammatory, (B) bronchodilatory, (C) sedative, (D) mucus dissolving
Answer is A. 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.