Which drug is commonly chosen for acute asthma relief?

Albuterol is the most commonly chosen drug for acute asthma relief due to its classification as a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA). This medication works quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscle, resulting in rapid dilation of the airways, which is essential when a patient is experiencing an asthma attack. Its onset of action is typically within minutes, making it highly effective for immediate symptom relief.

In contrast, other options listed, like salmeterol and the various corticosteroids such as fluticasone and mometasone, are primarily used for longer-term management of asthma. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), which provides sustained control of bronchospasm but is not fast-acting enough to treat acute episodes. Fluticasone and mometasone are inhaled corticosteroids that work by reducing inflammation over time and are intended for maintenance therapy rather than for immediate relief during an asthma exacerbation. Therefore, for acute situations requiring prompt action, albuterol stands out as the preferred choice.