What is the role of corticosteroids in treating upper respiratory inflammation?

• A. They strengthen the immune response
• B. They reduce inflammation and swelling
• C. They increase mucus production
• D. They act as antibiotics against infections

Answer: (B)

Corticosteroids act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents in the upper airways. Inflammation here causes swelling, mucus production, and congestion. By dampening the release and action of inflammatory mediators, stabilizing cell membranes, and reducing the recruitment of inflammatory cells, corticosteroids shrink the swollen mucosa and lessen edema. That decrease in swelling directly improves nasal airflow and reduces the other inflammatory symptoms. They are not antibiotics and do not strengthen the immune response; they don’t increase mucus production. In practice, intranasal corticosteroids are a common first-line treatment for inflammatory nasal conditions like allergic rhinitis, helping to relieve congestion and related symptoms by reducing inflammation and swelling.