Which therapy is included in the acute management of an asthma attack?

Which therapy is included in the acute management of an asthma attack?

• A. Short-acting beta-agonist
• B. Inhaled corticosteroids only
• C. Leukotriene inhibitors
• D. Long-acting beta-agonists

Answer: (A)

During an asthma attack the priority is rapid relief of bronchoconstriction. Short-acting beta-agonists quickly relax airway smooth muscle by stimulating beta-2 receptors, leading to prompt bronchodilation within minutes. This immediate action improves airflow and symptoms, making them the first-line rescue treatment in acute management. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation but take hours to days to work, so they’re for long-term control rather than immediate relief. Leukotriene inhibitors and long-acting beta-agonists don’t provide rapid rescue—they’re used for maintenance or preventive therapy. So the therapy included in the acute management of an asthma attack is the short-acting beta-agonist.

During an asthma attack the priority is rapid relief of bronchoconstriction. Short-acting beta-agonists quickly relax airway smooth muscle by stimulating beta-2 receptors, leading to prompt bronchodilation within minutes. This immediate action improves airflow and symptoms, making them the first-line rescue treatment in acute management. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation but take hours to days to work, so they’re for long-term control rather than immediate relief. Leukotriene inhibitors and long-acting beta-agonists don’t provide rapid rescue—they’re used for maintenance or preventive therapy. So the therapy included in the acute management of an asthma attack is the short-acting beta-agonist.