What type of medication is usually prescribed for long-term control of asthma attacks?

Inhalable corticosteroids are typically prescribed for long-term control of asthma attacks because they effectively reduce airway inflammation, which is a key component in the pathology of asthma. By decreasing inflammation, these medications help to improve lung function and prevent the occurrence of asthma symptoms, thus providing better overall disease management.

Corticosteroids target the underlying inflammatory process in asthma rather than just providing temporary relief of symptoms, which is the role of bronchodilators like short-acting beta agonists. While long-acting beta agonists can also assist in controlling asthma symptoms and can be part of a long-term management plan, they are often used in conjunction with inhalable corticosteroids rather than as a standalone treatment. Oral corticosteroids are generally reserved for short-term management of exacerbations due to their potential side effects when used long-term. Therefore, inhalable corticosteroids are the preferred choice for ongoing management of asthma to maintain control of the condition over time.