Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which medication is used during an acute asthma attack to help reduce inflammation?

1. Salbutamol

2. Ipratropium bromide

3. Hydrocortisone

4. Aminophylline

The correct answer is: Hydrocortisone

During an acute asthma attack, the primary goal is to relieve airway constriction and reduce inflammation. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation throughout the body, including the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used for long-term management of asthma, but systemic corticosteroids like hydrocortisone can be effective in acute settings when there's significant inflammation causing an exacerbation. Salbutamol, while effective as a fast-acting bronchodilator and commonly used for immediate relief of acute bronchospasm, does not target inflammation directly. Instead, it works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic agent that can also help relieve bronchospasm but is primarily used in conjunction with other medications during acute exacerbations rather than as a sole treatment for reducing inflammation. Aminophylline, a bronchodilator, may have some anti-inflammatory effects but is not typically the first line of treatment in acute situations due to variable effectiveness and the potential for side effects. Thus, hydrocortisone stands out in this context as it specifically addresses the underlying inflammation that contributes to the acute asthma attack, making it a suitable choice for such situations.