Which statement describes the mechanism by which NSAIDs reduce inflammation?

Which statement describes the mechanism by which NSAIDs reduce inflammation?

• A. Decrease leukotriene production
• B. Decrease histamine production
• C. Decrease prostaglandin production
• D. Decrease acetylsalicylic acid production

Answer: (C)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combat inflammation mainly by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes, which halts the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a key role in promoting vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability, and sensitizing nerve endings—all of which contribute to redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, NSAIDs lessen these inflammatory symptoms and provide relief. Leukotrienes come from a different pathway (lipoxygenase), so they aren’t the primary target of NSAIDs. Histamine is released from mast cells and drives immediate hypersensitivity reactions, not directly controlled by NSAIDs. The idea of decreasing acetylsalicylic acid production doesn’t fit, since aspirin is itself an NSAID; its effect comes from inhibiting COX enzymes, not reducing the production of another drug.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combat inflammation mainly by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes, which halts the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a key role in promoting vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability, and sensitizing nerve endings—all of which contribute to redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, NSAIDs lessen these inflammatory symptoms and provide relief.

Leukotrienes come from a different pathway (lipoxygenase), so they aren’t the primary target of NSAIDs. Histamine is released from mast cells and drives immediate hypersensitivity reactions, not directly controlled by NSAIDs. The idea of decreasing acetylsalicylic acid production doesn’t fit, since aspirin is itself an NSAID; its effect comes from inhibiting COX enzymes, not reducing the production of another drug.