For a child with moderate to severe asthma, which medicine might be included in their action plan to relieve acute symptoms?

In the management of moderate to severe asthma, a short-acting bronchodilator, often referred to as a rescue inhaler, is typically included in an action plan for the immediate relief of acute symptoms. This type of medication, such as albuterol, works quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open wider and improve airflow. It is specifically designed to provide prompt relief from symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath during an asthma attack.

While other treatment options—such as oral corticosteroids—are important for controlling ongoing inflammation in chronic asthma management, they do not act quickly to alleviate acute symptoms. Long-acting bronchodilators, while they are effective for long-term control and preventing asthma attacks, have a slower onset and are not used for immediate relief. Anticholinergics can aid in alleviating symptoms but are typically not the first line for acute symptom relief in asthma; their primary use is in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sometimes in patients with asthma not controlled by other medications.

Thus, the inclusion of a short-acting bronchodilator in an action plan is critical for providing quick relief during an acute asthma episode, making it the most appropriate choice.