Which medication class is commonly used for the acute treatment of asthma exacerbations?

Bronchodilators are the medication class commonly used for the acute treatment of asthma exacerbations. These medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to dilate and facilitate easier airflow. In situations where a patient experiences an asthma attack, bronchodilators can quickly relieve symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath by providing rapid relief from bronchospasm.

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), which fall under the bronchodilator category, are the first-line treatment during an acute asthma exacerbation due to their fast-acting nature. They are typically administered via inhalation, leading to prompt relief of bronchoconstriction.

Other medication classes, while important in asthma management, do not primarily serve the acute treatment of exacerbations. For instance, steroids are often used as anti-inflammatory agents and can be effective in the longer-term management of asthma to reduce inflammation and prevent future exacerbations, but they do not provide immediate relief. Antihistamines address allergic reactions but are not effective for asthma exacerbations. Antibiotics are appropriate for bacterial infections but not for treating asthma episodes directly.