Which form of rescue medication is generally used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms?

Short-acting bronchodilators are generally used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms due to their rapid action in opening up the airways. These medications, often referred to as rescue inhalers, work quickly to alleviate bronchospasms, allowing individuals experiencing acute asthma attacks to breathe more easily. The formulation of short-acting bronchodilators is designed for quick onset of action, typically within minutes, making them the first line of defense during an asthma exacerbation.

In contrast, long-acting bronchodilators are intended for ongoing control of asthma symptoms and are not effective for immediate relief. Antihistamines primarily address allergic reactions and are not designed for asthma symptom relief. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and are more effective as a maintenance therapy rather than for immediate symptom relief during acute asthma episodes. Therefore, the choice of short-acting bronchodilators for immediate symptom management aligns with established asthma treatment guidelines.