Which medication would you most likely assist an asthma patient with during an attack?

• A. Bronchodilator
• B. Antibiotic
• C. Antihistamine
• D. Corticosteroid

Answer: (A)

When an asthma attack happens, the airway muscles tighten and narrow the airways. A bronchodilator helps by rapidly relaxing those smooth muscles and widening the airways, usually within minutes, which quickly relieves wheeze and shortness of breath. This immediate relief is why it’s the best option for assisting someone in the middle of an attack. The other medications aren’t for quick rescue: antibiotics treat infections and don’t address bronchospasm; antihistamines block histamine effects but don’t rapidly open constricted airways; corticosteroids reduce inflammation but take hours to have an effect and aren’t used for immediate relief. If symptoms are severe or don’t improve with a rescue inhaler, seek urgent care.