What is the recommended first-line treatment for pediatric asthma?

The recommended first-line treatment for pediatric asthma is inhaled corticosteroids. These medications are effective in controlling asthma symptoms and reducing inflammation in the airways, which is a central factor in asthma pathophysiology. Inhaled corticosteroids work by decreasing airway hyperreactivity and improving lung function, making them essential for long-term management of asthma in children.

The advantages of inhaled corticosteroids include their targeted delivery to the lungs, which minimizes systemic side effects, and their ability to provide both quick relief of symptoms when used regularly and long-term preventive action against asthma exacerbations. Establishing an effective anti-inflammatory treatment early is crucial for achieving better asthma control and improving the overall quality of life for pediatric patients.

Other treatments listed can be important in the management of asthma but do not serve as the primary, first-line therapy. For instance, oral antihistamines are primarily used for allergic symptoms rather than the underlying inflammation seen in asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors can be useful as an alternative or adjunct therapy but are not as universally recommended as the initial therapy for asthma as inhaled corticosteroids are. Beta-agonists, often used as rescue medications, are effective for quick relief but do not address the underlying inflammation, which is why they are not considered first