What is the drug of choice for a child with asthma experiencing shortness of breath and bilateral wheezing?

The drug of choice for a child experiencing shortness of breath and bilateral wheezing due to asthma is albuterol. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that works by relaxing the muscles of the airways, leading to bronchodilation. This effect alleviates symptoms of respiratory distress, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, by increasing airflow to the lungs.

Albuterol is typically administered via nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler, making it effective for immediate relief of acute asthma symptoms. This rapid onset of action makes it particularly suitable in emergency situations where a child may be experiencing an asthma attack.

Ventolin is a brand name for albuterol; while effective, the term "drug of choice" specifically refers to the drug class rather than a brand. Prednisone is a corticosteroid used for long-term management and control of inflammation in asthma, but it is not indicated for immediate relief of acute symptoms. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that may be used in conjunction with albuterol for asthma exacerbations but is not the first-line treatment for acute shortness of breath in asthma.

Overall, albuterol’s rapid action and efficacy make it the preferred option in this