Which medication is a fast-acting rescue inhaler?

Which medication is a fast-acting rescue inhaler?

• A. atropine
• B. norepinephrine
• C. beclamethasone
• D. albuterol

Answer: (D)

A fast-acting rescue inhaler delivers rapid bronchodilation by stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, which quickly relaxes the airways to relieve acute bronchospasm. The medication that fits this role is albuterol, a short-acting beta-2 agonist designed for quick relief during asthma or bronchospasm episodes. It often starts working within minutes and lasts a few hours, making it ideal for immediate symptom relief. Inhaled beclomethasone is a corticosteroid used for long-term control of airway inflammation and does not provide immediate relief. Atropine is not used as a rescue inhaler, and norepinephrine is a vasopressor for shock, not a bronchodilator.

A fast-acting rescue inhaler delivers rapid bronchodilation by stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, which quickly relaxes the airways to relieve acute bronchospasm. The medication that fits this role is albuterol, a short-acting beta-2 agonist designed for quick relief during asthma or bronchospasm episodes. It often starts working within minutes and lasts a few hours, making it ideal for immediate symptom relief.

Inhaled beclomethasone is a corticosteroid used for long-term control of airway inflammation and does not provide immediate relief. Atropine is not used as a rescue inhaler, and norepinephrine is a vasopressor for shock, not a bronchodilator.