Which medications are typically administered during an episode of acute respiratory distress?

• A. Bronchodilators and steroids
• B. Antibiotics and diuretics
• C. Antivirals and antihistamines
• D. Opioids and sedatives

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is managing an acute respiratory distress episode by rapidly opening the airways and reducing airway inflammation. Bronchodilators quickly relax the smooth muscles around the airways, which relieves bronchospasm and improves airflow and oxygen delivery. Steroids address the inflammatory component by reducing airway edema and mucus production, helping prevent the problem from persisting or worsening and enhancing the response to bronchodilators.

Antibiotics and diuretics aren’t routinely used unless there’s a specific infection or fluid overload contributing to the distress. Antivirals and antihistamines don’t provide the immediate relief needed for a sudden airway obstruction. Opioids and sedatives can depress breathing, which is risky during respiratory distress. So the combination of bronchodilators and steroids addresses both the immediate obstruction and the inflammation driving it.