What is the primary mechanism of action used by NSAIDs to decrease inflammation?

• A. Decrease acetylsalicylic acid production
• B. Decrease prostaglandin production
• C. Decrease the sensitivity of chemoreceptors
• D. Decrease leukotriene production

Answer: (B)

NSAIDs work by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are key inflammatory mediators that promote swelling, pain, and fever. By inhibiting COX, NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production, which directly dampens the inflammatory response and the associated symptoms.

The other ideas aren’t the primary action: acetylsalicylic acid production isn’t something NSAIDs aim to decrease, leukotrienes come from a different pathway (lipoxygenase) and aren’t the main target of traditional NSAIDs, and lowering chemoreceptor sensitivity isn’t how these drugs reduce inflammation.