LABAs should be used in combination with what type of drug?

Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are typically recommended for use in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) because this combination helps to provide comprehensive asthma management. LABAs are primarily bronchodilators that help to relax the muscles around the airways, leading to improved airflow and reduced symptoms over time. However, LABAs do not address the underlying inflammation characteristic of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids, on the other hand, are anti-inflammatory medications that help to reduce airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, which are key components of asthma.

Using LABAs in combination with inhaled corticosteroids ensures that both the bronchodilation and inflammatory aspects of asthma are treated, leading to more effective control of asthma symptoms and a reduction in the risk of exacerbations. This combined approach is often part of a stepwise management strategy for asthma, tailored to the patient's level of control.