Alongside the interventions for moderate to severe asthma, what alternative can be considered for severe asthma management?

In severe asthma management, terbutaline serves as a valuable alternative due to its mechanism as a beta-agonist. This medication plays a crucial role by dilating the airways, thereby improving airflow and relieving bronchospasm. In situations where a patient experiences acute exacerbations or severe respiratory distress, terbutaline can be particularly effective in providing rapid relief. It can be administered via inhalation or subcutaneously, offering flexibility in treatment.

While inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of long-term asthma control, they are not typically used for immediate relief in severe exacerbations. Continuous nebulization of epinephrine may be beneficial for specific cases, such as in emergencies involving severe airway obstruction, but it is less common as a routine alternative in severe asthma management compared to terbutaline. Oral steroids are often used for exacerbations but are more indicated for longer-term control during significant flare-ups rather than immediate intervention in acute scenarios. Thus, terbutaline is the most appropriate choice when considering rescue therapies for severe asthma episodes.