What is the first-line treatment used for asthma exacerbation?

The first-line treatment for an asthma exacerbation is short-acting beta-agonists, such as albuterol. These medications work by quickly relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to immediate bronchodilation and improved airflow. They are commonly used as rescue medications because they can provide rapid relief from acute asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

In an emergency setting or during an exacerbation, it is crucial to act quickly, and short-acting beta-agonists are specifically formulated for this purpose, typically taking effect within minutes. Their ability to rapidly open the airways makes them essential for managing sudden and severe asthma attacks.

Other treatment options, while important for long-term asthma management, do not provide the quick response needed during an acute situation. Corticosteroids, for instance, are effective in reducing airway inflammation but take longer to have an effect, making them unsuitable as first-line therapy during an acute exacerbation. Long-acting beta-agonists are used for maintenance therapy and not for immediate relief of acute symptoms, while anticholinergics may have a role in some cases but are generally not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations. Thus, short-acting beta-agonists