How does prednisone decrease the immune response in a client with asthma?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that exerts its effects on the immune system by reducing inflammation and modulating immune responses. In clients with asthma, which is characterized by excessive inflammation and airway hyperreactivity, prednisone acts specifically by decreasing the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process associated with asthma.

Eosinophils contribute to airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, which can lead to worsening asthma symptoms. By reducing the number of these cells, prednisone helps to alleviate inflammation in the airways, thereby improving airway function and reducing asthma symptoms. This mechanism is particularly effective in controlling the overactive immune response that characterizes conditions like asthma.