What is the primary treatment for a patient experiencing an asthma attack?

What is the primary treatment for a patient experiencing an asthma attack?

• A. Oxygen supplementation
• B. Administration of bronchodilators
• C. Providing epinephrine
• D. Placing the patient in a supine position

Answer: (B)

The primary treatment for a patient experiencing an asthma attack is the administration of bronchodilators. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which can become constricted during an asthma attack. This relaxation allows the airways to open up, leading to improved airflow and relief from the symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. Inhaled bronchodilators, such as beta-agonists, are commonly used as a first-line treatment because they provide rapid relief of acute bronchospasm. When used promptly during an asthma attack, they can significantly improve a patient’s respiratory status. While oxygen supplementation is essential for patients who exhibit hypoxia or are struggling to breathe adequately, it is considered supportive care that may accompany bronchodilator administration but is not the primary treatment. Providing epinephrine is typically reserved for severe cases of anaphylaxis or life-threatening asthma exacerbations, rather than routine management of an asthma attack. Placing the patient in a supine position is generally not advisable during an asthma attack; instead, sitting the patient upright can facilitate easier breathing. Thus, bronchodilators are the most effective and immediate treatment for alleviating an asthma attack.

The primary treatment for a patient experiencing an asthma attack is the administration of bronchodilators. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which can become constricted during an asthma attack. This relaxation allows the airways to open up, leading to improved airflow and relief from the symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.

Inhaled bronchodilators, such as beta-agonists, are commonly used as a first-line treatment because they provide rapid relief of acute bronchospasm. When used promptly during an asthma attack, they can significantly improve a patient’s respiratory status.

While oxygen supplementation is essential for patients who exhibit hypoxia or are struggling to breathe adequately, it is considered supportive care that may accompany bronchodilator administration but is not the primary treatment. Providing epinephrine is typically reserved for severe cases of anaphylaxis or life-threatening asthma exacerbations, rather than routine management of an asthma attack. Placing the patient in a supine position is generally not advisable during an asthma attack; instead, sitting the patient upright can facilitate easier breathing. Thus, bronchodilators are the most effective and immediate treatment for alleviating an asthma attack.