NSAIDs are primarily used to treat which of the following?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are primarily used to treat conditions associated with inflammation and pain, making their most common application in arthritis and other anti-inflammatory conditions. These medications work by inhibiting the enzymes involved in the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the levels of these compounds in the body, NSAIDs help to alleviate symptoms commonly associated with various types of arthritis, such as swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints, as well as conditions like muscle pain, acute injuries, and other inflammatory disorders.

While the other options may relate to different therapeutic areas, they do not align with the primary use of NSAIDs. Acute infections generally require antibiotics, respiratory issues might be treated with bronchodilators or corticosteroids, and cardiac problems often necessitate medications that target heart function specifically, rather than anti-inflammatory treatments. Thus, the primary role of NSAIDs remains firmly in the management of inflammatory and pain conditions such as arthritis.