Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Practice Exam

In the management of mild to moderate asthma in children, the first-line medication is Salbutamol delivered via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that functions as a bronchodilator, effectively relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. This action leads to relaxation and dilation of the air passages, helping to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath effectively during an acute asthma exacerbation.

For children experiencing mild to moderate asthma, the immediate relief provided by Salbutamol is crucial, making it a preferred choice. While inhaled corticosteroids can be an important part of asthma management for ongoing control, they are not typically the first choice for immediate symptom relief in this context. Other medications like oral prednisone may be effective in reducing inflammation, but they are reserved for more severe exacerbations due to their potential side effects and the need for long-term use in chronic situations. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, can also be considered for asthma management, particularly in cases where the child's asthma might be triggered by allergies, but it does not serve as an immediate rescue medication.

Thus, in a mild to moderate asthma scenario where immediate