What is the purpose of mast cell stabilizers in asthma treatment?

Mast cell stabilizers serve an important role in asthma treatment by preventing the release of histamines and other inflammatory chemicals from mast cells. These medications work by stabilizing the mast cells, which are a type of immune cell involved in allergic reactions and asthma. When mast cells are activated, they release histamines, leukotrienes, and other inflammatory mediators that contribute to bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and the overall symptoms of asthma.

By preventing this release, mast cell stabilizers help to reduce inflammation in the airways and maintain better control of asthma symptoms, particularly in patients who have allergen-induced asthma. They are not intended for immediate relief of acute asthma symptoms, but rather are used as a long-term management strategy to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of mast cell stabilizers in asthma treatment. The production of mucus is not a role of these medications; they are not involved in the absorption process of other medications; and they do not act as bronchodilators to quickly dilate the airways, which is a function of different classes of asthma medications, such as beta-agonists.