Which medication is used as a rescue inhaler for COPD symptoms in the described patient?

Which medication is used as a rescue inhaler for COPD symptoms in the described patient?

• A. Indacaterol
• B. Glycopyrronium
• C. Budesonide
• D. Salbutamol inhaler

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is rapid relief of acute COPD symptoms with a rescue inhaler. Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist) that quickly relaxes airway smooth muscle within minutes, giving quick relief during a flare or sudden breathlessness. The other options serve maintenance roles rather than immediate relief: indacaterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist used daily to keep airways open, not for rapid rescue; glycopyrronium is a long-acting antimuscarinic used to prevent symptoms and exacerbations; budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation over time and isn’t used for immediate relief.

The essential idea is rapid relief of acute COPD symptoms with a rescue inhaler. Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist) that quickly relaxes airway smooth muscle within minutes, giving quick relief during a flare or sudden breathlessness. The other options serve maintenance roles rather than immediate relief: indacaterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist used daily to keep airways open, not for rapid rescue; glycopyrronium is a long-acting antimuscarinic used to prevent symptoms and exacerbations; budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation over time and isn’t used for immediate relief.