In a patient experiencing an asthma attack, which medication is most often used as a rescue treatment?

Short-acting beta-agonists are the primary choice for rescue treatment during an asthma attack. These medications work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, causing them to open up and allowing for improved airflow. This rapid action is crucial during an asthma attack when patients experience bronchoconstriction and difficulty breathing.

Oral steroids, while effective for long-term management of asthma and reducing inflammation, do not provide immediate relief of acute symptoms and therefore are not used as rescue treatments. Long-acting bronchodilators are designed for maintenance therapy and have a slower onset of action; they are not suitable for instant relief during an attack. Leukotriene modifiers help manage asthma on a longer-term basis by reducing inflammation and mucus production, but they also do not act quickly enough in acute situations. Therefore, short-acting beta-agonists are the most appropriate choice for acute symptom relief during an asthma attack.