Which medication serves as a rescue inhaler commonly used by asthma patients?

• A. Albuterol
• B. Fluticasone
• C. Salmeterol
• D. Montelukast

Answer: (A)

Rescue inhalers provide quick relief from acute bronchoconstriction by rapidly opening the airways through fast-acting bronchodilation. The medication that fits this role is albuterol, a short-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle within minutes to relieve wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It’s intended for immediate relief and can be used as needed or before exercise to prevent symptoms.

The other options have different purposes: fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term inflammation control and daily maintenance, not immediate relief; salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used for maintenance prevention (not for acute symptoms) and is often combined with a corticosteroid; montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist for chronic control, not for rapid rescue.