Breathe Easy: Ace the NAECB Asthma Educator Test 2025 – Be the Breath of Fresh Air!

The correct choice is the short-acting beta agonist, which is frequently used as a rescue inhaler for immediate asthma relief. This class of medication works by rapidly relaxing the bronchial smooth muscles, leading to dilation of the airways. This effect starts within minutes and can last for several hours, making it ideal for quick relief during instances of acute asthma symptoms or exacerbations.

Short-acting beta agonists are usually taken as needed, providing fast action to effectively relieve symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. They are commonly known by their brand names, such as albuterol or levalbuterol.

In contrast, long-acting beta agonists are not suitable for immediate relief because they take longer to achieve their therapeutic effects and are used primarily for ongoing asthma control. Inhaled corticosteroids are effective for long-term management and prevention of asthma symptoms, but they do not provide rapid relief of acute symptoms. Leukotriene modifiers have a role in asthma management as well, primarily for maintenance therapy, but they are also not used for immediate relief of symptoms.