Which type of medication is primarily used for acute asthma attacks?

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are primarily used for acute asthma attacks because they provide rapid bronchodilation, allowing for quick relief of asthma symptoms. When an individual experiences an acute exacerbation, their airways constrict, leading to difficulty breathing. SABAs act quickly, typically within minutes, by relaxing the muscles around the airways, thus expanding them and improving airflow.

While corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation, they have a slower onset of action and are generally used for long-term control or prevention of asthma symptoms rather than immediate relief. Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are designed for maintenance therapy and are not suitable for treating acute episodes due to their prolonged effects, which do not provide the rapid relief needed in an emergency. Leukotriene modifiers also work to control asthma symptoms over the long term but do not offer the immediate bronchodilation required during an acute attack.

Therefore, SABAs are the medication of choice for quick action during acute asthma attacks, making them essential in emergency asthma management plans.