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 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?
💡 Explanation
**Question:** Which of the following is the major effect of glucocorticoids in asthma?
A. Inhibition of eosinophil activation
B. Suppression of mucus production
C. Reduction in airway inflammation
D. Increased bronchoconstriction
**Core Concept:** Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids that possess anti-inflammatory properties. They play a crucial role in asthma management, particularly in reducing airway inflammation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Glucocorticoids, specifically cortisol, are essential in asthma treatment due to their ability to suppress inflammation. In asthma, excessive inflammation leads to airway narrowing, increased mucus production, and increased mucus viscosity, resulting in airway obstruction and symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Cortisol, being a potent anti-inflammatory hormone, helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, thereby alleviating these symptoms.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Inhibition of eosinophil activation: Although cortisol does modulate eosinophil activation, it does not specifically target this process, making it an insufficient explanation for the primary effect of glucocorticoids in asthma.
B. Suppression of mucus production: While cortisol affects mucus production, the primary focus of glucocorticoids in asthma is to reduce airway inflammation, not suppress mucus production.
C. Reduction in airway inflammation: As mentioned earlier, the primary effect of glucocorticoids is to reduce airway inflammation, making this the correct choice.
D. Increased bronchoconstriction: Glucocorticoids do not cause bronchoconstriction; their primary action is anti-inflammatory, which leads to improved asthma symptoms.
**Clinical Pearl:** Glucocorticoids are an essential component of asthma management due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Developing a comprehensive understanding of these effects is crucial for effective asthma treatment and management.
✓ Correct Answer: A. anti-inflammatory
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