Which of the following drug is given for acute attack of asthma?
**Core Concept**
The treatment of acute asthma attacks involves administering medications that rapidly relax bronchial smooth muscles, reduce inflammation, and increase airflow. Beta-2 agonists are a class of bronchodilators that work by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA), specifically **Albuterol (Salbutamol)**. This medication rapidly reverses bronchospasm by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. The mechanism of action involves the activation of adenylate cyclase, which increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because **Ipratropium bromide** is an anticholinergic medication that acts by blocking muscarinic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation. While it can be used in acute asthma attacks, it is not the first-line treatment.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because **Montelukast** is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, rather than treating acute attacks.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because **Prednisolone** is a corticosteroid that is used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, as well as for severe acute asthma exacerbations. However, it is not the first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When treating acute asthma attacks, it's essential to use a bronchodilator that acts rapidly, such as a SABA, to quickly reverse bronchospasm and improve airflow. Additionally, the use of a spacer device can improve the delivery and effectiveness of inhaled medications.
**Correct Answer:** B. Ipratropium bromide is not correct as per the question. I assume the question is about the drug given for acute attack of asthma. The common drug used for acute asthma is Salbutamol (Albuterol).