What is a common initial treatment for an asthma exacerbation?

The most appropriate initial treatment for an asthma exacerbation involves the use of short-acting beta agonists. These medications, such as albuterol, work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, leading to a rapid improvement in airflow and relief of symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. They act within minutes and are crucial in emergency or acute settings to provide immediate bronchodilation, which is essential for patients experiencing an asthma attack.

Long-term inhaled corticosteroids, while effective for chronic asthma control and reducing inflammation over time, do not provide the immediate relief required during an exacerbation. On the other hand, oral steroids may be utilized in more severe cases or prolonged exacerbations, but they are not the first-line treatment for immediate relief. Liberal oxygen therapy can be necessary if the patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress or hypoxia, but it does not address the underlying bronchospasm that occurs in asthma exacerbations. Thus, short-acting beta agonists are the frontline treatment for quickly managing acute symptoms.