Which medication is typically used for treating acute asthma exacerbations during pregnancy?

Albuterol is the medication commonly used for treating acute asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. It is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that works by relaxing the muscles of the airways, leading to bronchodilation, which provides rapid relief of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

During pregnancy, managing asthma symptoms effectively is crucial for both maternal and fetal health, and albuterol is considered safe for use in this population. It acts quickly, making it the first-line rescue medication for acute asthma incidents, allowing pregnant women to regain control of their breathing during an exacerbation.

Other medications, while they may be used in asthma management, are not the first choice for acute situations. For instance, prednisone, a corticosteroid, is typically used for chronic management or severe exacerbations but is not the go-to rescue inhaler for immediate relief. Ipratropium, an anticholinergic, can provide some bronchodilation but is generally not as effective as albuterol in acute situations. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, is usually utilized for long-term asthma control and does not act quickly enough to manage acute exacerbations.