What is a common treatment for asthma?

Inhaled bronchodilators are a common treatment for asthma because they work directly on the airways to relax and open them, allowing for easier airflow. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the air passages, which can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. By using bronchodilators, patients can experience immediate relief from these symptoms.

These medications, which include short-acting agents like albuterol, are particularly effective during an asthma attack or as a rescue inhaler. Inhaled bronchodilators help to address the acute symptoms of asthma and are considered a cornerstone of asthma management.

In contrast, while oral antihistamines may help with allergies that could trigger asthma, they do not have the direct effect on the bronchial smooth muscle that bronchodilators do. Corticosteroid injections can be part of a long-term asthma management plan but are not typically the first line of treatment for immediate symptom relief. Antibiotics are not useful for asthma management unless there is a secondary bacterial infection, which is not a typical aspect of asthma treatment. Thus, inhaled bronchodilators are the preferred choice for alleviating asthma symptoms effectively and quickly.