Which treatment is preferred for immediate relief of asthma symptoms?

Immediate relief of asthma symptoms is primarily achieved through the use of short-acting beta agonists (SABAs). These medications work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, providing rapid bronchodilation and relief from acute bronchospasms. This action can typically be felt within minutes, making SABAs the go-to choice for addressing urgent asthma symptoms.

Inhaled corticosteroids, while effective for long-term control and reducing inflammation in the airways, do not provide immediate symptom relief and are used as a preventative measure rather than a rescue treatment.

Long-acting beta agonists, though effective for maintaining control of asthma symptoms, are not appropriate for quick relief because their onset of action is slower, and they are intended for regular use rather than emergency situations.

Antihistamines are primarily used to alleviate allergy symptoms and do not address bronchoconstriction related to asthma directly. They are not suitable for treating acute asthma attacks, making them ineffective for immediate symptom relief.

Therefore, the choice of short-acting beta agonists is confirmed as the preferred treatment for quickly alleviating asthma symptoms during an acute episode.