What is considered rescue therapy in asthma management?

Rescue therapy in asthma management refers to medications that are used on an as-needed basis to relieve acute asthma symptoms or bronchospasm. This approach is essential for managing sudden asthma exacerbations when rapid relief is necessary.

The correct answer emphasizes the use of "PRN" (pro re nata) medication, such as short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), which are designed to quickly alleviate symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest during an asthma attack. They act rapidly to dilate the airways, making them effective for immediate relief.

In contrast, scheduled daily controller therapy involves medications that are taken regularly to manage and prevent asthma symptoms but are not typically used for sudden relief. Long-acting bronchodilator treatments are intended for ongoing control and not for immediate symptom control like rescue medications. Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids is beneficial for long-term management and inflammation reduction but does not provide immediate relief of acute symptoms. Thus, the emphasis on PRN medication for acute symptoms establishes it as the hallmark of rescue therapy in asthma management.