What is the treatment for asthma?

What is the treatment for asthma?

• A. Reassure; O2 if needed.
• B. Elevate the legs and give fluids.
• C. Initiate inhaled bronchodilator and monitor.
• D. Call emergency and lie down.

Answer: (A)

In asthma, the priority is to quickly reverse bronchospasm and keep oxygen levels adequate. A fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator opens the airways, usually improving breathing within minutes and allowing the patient to vent air more effectively. Reassurance helps with comfort, but it doesn’t treat the airway constriction, so it cannot replace bronchodilator therapy. Oxygen is important if there’s low oxygen saturation or significant distress, but it complements rather than substitutes for the bronchodilator. Other steps like elevating the legs or giving fluids don’t address the root problem of bronchoconstriction. In a worsening attack, ongoing monitoring and seeking further medical help are essential, but the central action right away is to administer the inhaled bronchodilator and watch the response.

In asthma, the priority is to quickly reverse bronchospasm and keep oxygen levels adequate. A fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator opens the airways, usually improving breathing within minutes and allowing the patient to vent air more effectively. Reassurance helps with comfort, but it doesn’t treat the airway constriction, so it cannot replace bronchodilator therapy. Oxygen is important if there’s low oxygen saturation or significant distress, but it complements rather than substitutes for the bronchodilator. Other steps like elevating the legs or giving fluids don’t address the root problem of bronchoconstriction. In a worsening attack, ongoing monitoring and seeking further medical help are essential, but the central action right away is to administer the inhaled bronchodilator and watch the response.