Which medication class is primarily used to treat inflammation in asthma?

Corticosteroids are primarily used to treat inflammation in asthma due to their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, and this inflammation leads to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Corticosteroids, whether administered systemically or through inhalation, work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways, making it easier for patients to breathe.

Short-acting inhaled bronchodilators primarily focus on providing quick relief from bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) during an asthma attack but do not address the underlying inflammation. Methylxanthines are another class of medications that can be used in asthma management but are less frequently prescribed and do not have the same potency for controlling inflammation as corticosteroids. Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators are effective for maintaining bronchodilation and preventing symptoms over a prolonged period, but they also do not primarily target inflammation.

Thus, corticosteroids are the cornerstone of managing inflammation in asthma treatments, making them the correct choice for this question.