Which medication is often prescribed as a rescue inhaler for asthma?

Albuterol is commonly prescribed as a rescue inhaler for asthma because it is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA) that provides rapid relief of asthma symptoms. When inhaled, albuterol works by relaxing the bronchial muscles, leading to bronchodilation, which helps to quickly alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness during an asthma attack. It is specifically designed for quick relief and is often used on an as-needed basis to address acute asthma symptoms.

In contrast, fluticasone is a corticosteroid that is used for long-term control of asthma inflammation but is not considered a rescue medication since it does not provide immediate relief. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that is used for maintenance therapy rather than quick relief, as it takes longer to start working and is not intended for acute symptoms. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps manage asthma symptoms over time but is not used for immediate rescue in acute situations.