What type of medication is not typically used for treating asthma?

Antibiotics are not typically used for treating asthma because asthma is primarily an inflammatory condition of the airways caused by various triggers, such as allergens and irritants, rather than a bacterial infection. The standard treatment for asthma focuses on controlling airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, which is effectively achieved through inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators.

Inhaled corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation in the airways, making them a cornerstone of asthma management. Long-acting bronchodilators help to relax the muscles around the airways, providing sustained relief from symptoms. Combination inhalers contain both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators, offering a dual approach to controlling asthma symptoms.

Using antibiotics would only be relevant in cases where a bacterial infection coexists or complicates asthma management, which is relatively rare. Thus, while antibiotics are critical for treating infections, they do not play a role in the regular treatment of asthma itself.