short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are medications used to quickly relieve asthma or COPD symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways. When airway muscles contract, they narrow, making it hard to breathe. SABAs, such as albuterol, act rapidly within minutes to open these airways, improving airflow and easing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. They are typically used as "rescue" inhalers during an asthma attack or sudden breathing difficulty. SABAs are effective for immediate symptom relief but are not intended for long-term control of asthma or COPD.