Which medication is used during an asthma attack to quickly open the airways?

• A. Oral corticosteroids
• B. SABA (short-acting beta-agonist) such as albuterol
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Antihistamines

Answer: (B)

During an asthma attack the airway constriction happens quickly, so the medicine needs to act fast to open the airways. A short-acting beta-agonist inhaler, like albuterol, does just that. It activates beta-2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, raising cAMP inside the cells and causing the muscles to relax. This bronchodilation happens within minutes, rapidly improving airflow, wheeze, and shortness of breath.

The other options don’t provide this immediate relief. Oral corticosteroids address inflammation but take hours to become effective and are used to prevent relapse or worsen symptoms over time. Antibiotics target infections, not bronchoconstriction. Antihistamines block histamine but don’t reverse acute airway narrowing.