Which of the following is a common short-acting beta-agonist used in respiratory therapy?

The correct answer is albuterol, which is widely recognized as a common short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) used in respiratory therapy. Albuterol primarily works by activating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation. This action helps to rapidly relieve symptoms associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Patients often use albuterol as a rescue inhaler due to its quick onset of action, typically within minutes, providing fast relief from acute bronchospasm.

In contrast, salmeterol and formoterol are both long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) used for maintenance therapy rather than for immediate relief of symptoms. While they are effective in managing chronic respiratory conditions over a longer duration, their slower onset of action makes them unsuitable for treating sudden asthma attacks. Pirbuterol, although a SABA like albuterol, is less commonly used in current practice compared to albuterol, which is more prevalent and familiar to patients and caregivers.