Inhalers are the primary medical treatment for asthma. During acute exacerbations, inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), such as albuterol/salbutamol, are considered the primary tool for managing asthma.[1] As their name suggests, these drugs bind to β2 adrenergic receptors and cause the smooth muscles in the bronchi to relax and open.[2][1] If asthma is classified as “intermittent” or worse, inhaled long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) and glucocorticoids can be used for more continuous or daily treatment.[3]
References
- ^National Asthma Education and Prevention ProgramExpert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007J Allergy Clin Immunol.(2007 Nov)
- ^S E LibrettoA review of the toxicology of salbutamol (albuterol)Arch Toxicol.(1994)
- ^ Global Initiative for AsthmaGlobal Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (2021 update)(2021)