What type of medication is primarily used for quick relief during an asthma attack?

The medication primarily used for quick relief during an asthma attack is a short-acting beta agonist. These medications act quickly to relax the muscles surrounding the airways, leading to rapid dilation of the bronchial passages. This immediate bronchodilation is crucial during an asthma attack, as it helps alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.

Short-acting beta agonists are designed for rapid onset of action and are typically used as rescue inhalers, allowing patients to respond swiftly to acute asthma symptoms. They usually provide relief within minutes and can last for several hours, making them effective for emergency situations.

In contrast, long-acting beta agonists are intended for ongoing management of asthma and are not suitable for treating acute attacks due to their delayed onset of action. Inhalable corticosteroids function primarily as a long-term control medication to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks, rather than providing immediate relief. Leukotriene modifiers also play a role in preventing asthma symptoms but do so over a longer duration and do not act quickly enough to be effective during an active asthma attack.