For a child with asthma, what medication is commonly prescribed as a rescue inhaler?

In the management of asthma, short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) are the standard choice for rescue inhalers. These medications, such as albuterol, work by quickly relaxing the bronchial muscles, leading to rapid relief from acute asthma symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Their fast-acting properties make them essential for immediate use during asthma attacks or exacerbations.

SABAs are designed for on-demand relief, providing a quick response to bronchoconstriction, typically within minutes and lasting for several hours. This is crucial in managing acute symptoms, allowing children to resume normal activities without delay.

In contrast, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are intended for maintenance therapy and not for immediate relief of symptoms, which is why they are not used as rescue inhalers. Inhaled corticosteroids are effective for long-term control of asthma by reducing inflammation but do not provide rapid relief. Similarly, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) also serve as long-term control medications and are not suitable for emergency situations where immediate bronchial dilation is required. Thus, the correct choice reflects the need for a quick-acting medication that is essential for managing acute asthma symptoms.