For a 12-year-old with persistent mild asthma, what is the preferred treatment option?

The preferred treatment option for a 12-year-old with persistent mild asthma is the use of a low dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Low dose ICSs are the cornerstone of asthma management because they effectively reduce inflammation in the airways, leading to improved control of asthma symptoms and reduced risk of exacerbations. ICS medications, in low doses, are well-tolerated and have a favorable safety profile for children, making them a suitable choice.

In this context, using a low dose ICS aligns with the guidelines that suggest starting with the least intense treatment necessary to achieve asthma control, thus minimizing potential side effects while adequately managing the condition.

Other options such as high-dose ICS and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are typically reserved for cases of more severe or uncontrolled asthma. Medium-dose ICS might be considered if the low-dose approach does not provide sufficient control, but initiating treatment with a low-dose ICS is generally the recommended first step. Oral corticosteroids are usually not indicated for long-term management in mild persistent asthma due to their side effects and are considered for acute exacerbations instead.