What class of medication primarily manages inflammation?

The class of medication that primarily manages inflammation is NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications work by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which play a crucial role in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that mediate the inflammatory response and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and fever. By reducing the levels of these inflammatory mediators, NSAIDs effectively decrease inflammation and provide relief from pain associated with various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, tendonitis, and acute injuries.

Other medication classes have different primary uses. Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections and have no direct effect on inflammation. Antihistamines primarily address allergic reactions by blocking histamine receptors, which can reduce allergic inflammation but are not primarily used for managing general inflammation. Diuretics are utilized mainly to promote the excretion of sodium and water from the body, helping to manage conditions such as hypertension and edema, but they do not have a direct role in inflammation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why NSAIDs are the go-to choice for managing inflammation effectively.