Question

A 30-year-old asthmatic patient needs a drug for acute bronchospasm relief. Which agent is most appropriate for rapid bronchodilation?

• A. Inhaled beclomethasone
• B. Inhaled salbutamol (albuterol)
• C. Inhaled ipratropium as monotherapy in a young asthmatic
• D. Oral theophylline

Hint:

For acute asthma attack, remember SABA: Short-Acting Beta Agonist, such as salbutamol, gives rapid bronchodilation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Acute bronchospasm in asthma requires a drug that acts rapidly and relaxes bronchial smooth muscles quickly. Such drugs are called bronchodilators.

Step 1: Understanding acute bronchospasm.
In acute bronchospasm, the bronchial smooth muscles contract suddenly, causing narrowing of airways. This leads to wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and difficulty in breathing.

Step 2: Requirement of treatment.
The drug should act quickly because the patient needs immediate relief. Therefore, a short-acting bronchodilator is preferred.

Step 3: Role of salbutamol.
Salbutamol, also called albuterol, is a short-acting \(\beta_2\)-adrenergic agonist. It stimulates \(\beta_2\) receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and causes relaxation. \[ \beta_2 \text{ stimulation} \Rightarrow \text{bronchial smooth muscle relaxation} \]

Step 4: Why inhaled route is preferred.
The inhaled route delivers the drug directly to the lungs. This gives rapid action and fewer systemic side effects.

Step 5: Checking other options.
Inhaled beclomethasone is a corticosteroid used for long-term control, not immediate relief.
Ipratropium may be useful in some cases, but it is not the best monotherapy for rapid relief in a young asthmatic.
Oral theophylline has slower action and more side effects.

Step 6: Final answer.
Therefore, the most appropriate drug for rapid bronchodilation is inhaled salbutamol. \[ \boxed{\text{Inhaled salbutamol (albuterol)}} \]