What is the long-term controller medication for pediatric asthma?

• A. Leukotriene inhibitors
• B. Inhaled corticosteroids
• C. Systemic steroids
• D. Short-acting beta-agonists

Answer: (B)

Long-term control in pediatric asthma focuses on daily therapy that reduces airway inflammation to prevent symptoms and flares. Inhaled corticosteroids are the standard first-line controller because they directly dampen the chronic inflammation of the airways, improve daily symptoms, lung function, and reduce exacerbations and the need for urgent care. They’re effective across a range of ages when dosed appropriately and used with a spacer or nebulizer to help delivery in children.

Other options don’t fit as the long-term controller. Short-acting beta-agonists relieve acute symptoms but don’t address the underlying inflammation. Systemic steroids are used for short bursts during exacerbations or in very severe cases, not for routine daily control due to more systemic side effects. Leukotriene inhibitors can be useful for some patients or as add-ons, but they aren’t the established first-line long-term controller in most pediatric guidelines.

So, daily inhaled corticosteroids are the best long-term controller choice for pediatric asthma.