Final answer:
Advair contains a steroid that works to inhibit immune cells that contribute to inflammation in the airways, used to treat asthma and COPD. It helps reduce swelling and mucus production, improving breathing. Its use should be managed by a healthcare professional.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advair is a medication primarily used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The steroid component of Advair works by modifying the immune system's response to inflammation. Inflammation in the airways is a key factor in both asthma and COPD, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. The steroid in Advair can either stimulate or inhibit certain immune cells, resulting in a decrease in inflammation and an improvement in breathing.
The effect of steroids like those in Advair is to inhibit the cells that contribute to inflammation, rather than to stimulate them. By doing so, steroids help reduce the swelling and mucus production in the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe. It is important for patients to use Advair under the guidance of a healthcare professional to manage the dosage and monitor for any potential side effects.