Which medication is commonly used to control inflammation in asthma?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to manage and control inflammation in asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone are effective in reducing airway inflammation, thereby improving lung function and decreasing the frequency of asthma exacerbations. They work by dampening the immune response that contributes to inflammation in the airways, ultimately helping to prevent asthma symptoms from worsening.

Other medications mentioned, such as albuterol, are primarily bronchodilators used for quick relief of asthma symptoms during an acute attack and do not have the same anti-inflammatory properties. Prednisone, while effective for severe inflammation, is usually reserved for short-term use due to its systemic side effects and is not a first-line treatment for chronic management. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist and is also used in managing asthma but does not have the same efficacy as inhaled corticosteroids in directly addressing inflammation. Thus, fluticasone is the preferred choice for controlling inflammation in asthma patients.