Which class of medication is commonly used as a rescue treatment during acute asthma exacerbations?

The class of medication commonly used as a rescue treatment during acute asthma exacerbations is Short Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs). These medications work by providing rapid bronchodilation, which is essential during an acute asthma attack when patients experience wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. SABAs, such as albuterol and levalbuterol, target beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to relaxation and widening of the bronchial passages.

The fast-acting nature of SABAs makes them particularly effective for quick relief of acute symptoms, usually within minutes of administration. This is crucial in emergency situations where immediate intervention is necessary to alleviate airway obstruction and improve respiratory function.

In contrast, inhaled corticosteroids primarily serve as long-term control medications to reduce inflammation and prevent exacerbations, while long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are designed for regular use in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for maintenance therapy and are not suitable for immediate relief. Mast cell modifiers are also not used for urgent relief of symptoms but serve to prevent symptoms by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. Thus, for acute exacerbations, the preferred choice is always the rapid-acting short acting beta