In an asthma patient, what is the preferred additional treatment if the patient has frequent exacerbations despite using an inhaled corticosteroid?

When managing a patient with asthma who experiences frequent exacerbations despite being on inhaled corticosteroids, the preferred approach is to add a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) to their treatment regimen. LABAs work by providing bronchodilation, which helps to relax the muscles around the airways and improve airflow. This complementary action works well with inhaled corticosteroids, which primarily target inflammation.

Using a LABA along with an inhaled corticosteroid not only helps to achieve better control of asthma symptoms but also reduces the incidence of exacerbations over time. This combination has been shown to be more effective than increasing the dose of inhaled corticosteroids alone or relying solely on short-acting bronchodilators.

In terms of the other options, while increasing the inhaled corticosteroid dose can be an option, it may not address the immediate need for bronchodilation during exacerbations as effectively as adding a LABA. Oral corticosteroids can be beneficial in short-term management of severe exacerbations, but they are not ideal for long-term control due to side effects. Switching to a leukotriene receptor antagonist provides a different mechanism of action; however, LABAs have a more established role in combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids for managing persistent asthma