What therapeutic strategy is commonly employed to manage bronchoconstriction in asthma patients?

The use of long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) is a well-established therapeutic strategy for managing bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. LABAs work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to bronchodilation. This effect helps to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness that occur due to bronchoconstriction.

LABAs are typically prescribed in conjunction with an inhaled corticosteroid for maintenance therapy, providing prolonged relief from bronchoconstriction. They act over a longer duration, usually up to 12 hours or more, which allows for better control of asthma symptoms throughout the day and night.

In contrast, while oral corticosteroids can be effective for managing acute asthma exacerbations, especially during inflammation, they are not a first-line treatment for long-term management of bronchoconstriction. Increasing fluid intake is important for overall health but does not directly impact bronchoconstriction. Similarly, augmenting antiviral medications is not a relevant strategy for treating asthma, as asthma is primarily a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways rather than a viral infection. Thus, employing LABAs represents an effective and specific approach to managing bronchoconstriction in asthma patients.