Which of the following is an appropriate treatment for a child exhibiting acute respiratory distress due to asthma exacerbation?

In the case of a child experiencing acute respiratory distress from an asthma exacerbation, systemic corticosteroids are an appropriate treatment option because they effectively reduce inflammation and airway edema, which can significantly improve breathing and help stabilize the patient's condition. Systemic corticosteroids work by decreasing airway inflammation, aiding in the resolution of the exacerbation over a period of hours to days. They are particularly beneficial in cases where bronchodilators alone are insufficient to manage the severity of the symptoms.

In acute situations, the immediate management typically focuses on rapid bronchodilation with short-acting beta-agonists in combination with steroids to control the inflammatory response. While other therapies may have their place in certain contexts, systemic corticosteroids are an established cornerstone treatment for preventing the progression of the asthma attack and facilitating recovery.

Other options, such as long-term beta-agonists, are generally used for maintenance therapy, not for immediate relief during an acute exacerbation. Aerosolized magnesium has some evidence to support its use as an adjunctive treatment but is not a first-line therapy. Heliox therapy, while it may help in certain severe cases by reducing airway resistance, is not commonly used as a primary treatment for asthma exacerbations.