In a child with acute asthma, which action represents the initial pharmacologic therapy to relieve symptoms?

In a child with acute asthma, which action represents the initial pharmacologic therapy to relieve symptoms?

• A. Oxygen therapy only
• B. Inhaled salbutamol (Ventolin)
• C. Antibiotics
• D. High-dose intravenous steroids

Answer: (B)

In acute asthma, the first goal is rapid bronchodilation to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. A fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator does this best, and salbutamol (Ventolin) fits that role perfectly. When inhaled, it stimulates beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing quick relaxation of the bronchi and a marked opening of the airways. This typically brings about symptom relief within minutes and improves oxygenation and wheeze. Oxygen therapy can be important if the child is hypoxic, but it doesn’t directly relieve the bronchoconstriction. Antibiotics aren’t indicated unless there’s a concurrent bacterial infection. High-dose intravenous steroids help reduce airway inflammation, but their effect is not immediate and they’re used when symptoms persist or in more severe or prolonged episodes. Therefore, the inhaled fast-acting bronchodilator is the best initial pharmacologic choice to relieve symptoms.

In acute asthma, the first goal is rapid bronchodilation to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. A fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator does this best, and salbutamol (Ventolin) fits that role perfectly. When inhaled, it stimulates beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing quick relaxation of the bronchi and a marked opening of the airways. This typically brings about symptom relief within minutes and improves oxygenation and wheeze.

Oxygen therapy can be important if the child is hypoxic, but it doesn’t directly relieve the bronchoconstriction. Antibiotics aren’t indicated unless there’s a concurrent bacterial infection. High-dose intravenous steroids help reduce airway inflammation, but their effect is not immediate and they’re used when symptoms persist or in more severe or prolonged episodes. Therefore, the inhaled fast-acting bronchodilator is the best initial pharmacologic choice to relieve symptoms.