A patient with exercise-induced asthma; which is the first-step therapy?

A patient with exercise-induced asthma; which is the first-step therapy?

• A. Inhaled corticosteroids
• B. Systemic steroids
• C. Inhaled albuterol therapy
• D. Leukotriene receptor antagonist

Answer: (C)

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is best managed by providing rapid bronchodilation right before activity. A short-acting beta-2 agonist inhaler, such as albuterol, relaxes airway smooth muscle quickly, reducing or preventing bronchospasm during and after exercise. This quick-acting relief is why inhaled albuterol before exercise is the preferred first-step therapy for EIB. Inhaled corticosteroids are controller meds that reduce inflammation but take weeks to build up and aren’t useful for immediate pre-exercise relief. Systemic steroids are reserved for severe exacerbations, and leukotriene receptor antagonists can help some patients but don’t offer the same reliable, rapid pre-exercise protection as a SABA.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is best managed by providing rapid bronchodilation right before activity. A short-acting beta-2 agonist inhaler, such as albuterol, relaxes airway smooth muscle quickly, reducing or preventing bronchospasm during and after exercise. This quick-acting relief is why inhaled albuterol before exercise is the preferred first-step therapy for EIB. Inhaled corticosteroids are controller meds that reduce inflammation but take weeks to build up and aren’t useful for immediate pre-exercise relief. Systemic steroids are reserved for severe exacerbations, and leukotriene receptor antagonists can help some patients but don’t offer the same reliable, rapid pre-exercise protection as a SABA.