Which of the following is a common inhaled corticosteroid?

Budesonide is a common inhaled corticosteroid that is widely used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide work by reducing inflammation in the airways, leading to decreased swelling and mucus production. This helps to improve airflow and control symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Budesonide is administered via inhalation, allowing for direct delivery to the lungs, which enhances its effectiveness while minimizing systemic side effects compared to oral corticosteroids. This characteristic makes budesonide a preferred choice in managing chronic respiratory conditions.

In contrast, the other options serve different therapeutic purposes. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used to prevent asthma symptoms and manage allergies, but it is not a corticosteroid. Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid that is typically used for acute inflammatory conditions rather than as a long-term inhaled therapy. Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator used for quick relief of asthma symptoms, not a corticosteroid. Therefore, budesonide stands out as the correct answer as it is specifically categorized as an inhaled corticosteroid.