What should be administered in an asthma red zone management?

In asthma management, the red zone indicates a severe exacerbation or worsening of symptoms. In such cases, the priority is to provide immediate and effective relief and management of bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

The administration of low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol) is appropriate as this combination helps to control inflammation and provides bronchodilation, which is essential during an asthma crisis. While SABA (short-acting beta-agonists) are often used for immediate relief of acute symptoms, the addition of low-dose ICS helps to address the underlying inflammation associated with asthma, offering a more comprehensive approach to managing severe exacerbations.

In contrast, other choices such as oral steroids are typically used for longer-term control or during a moderate to severe exacerbation but are not the first response in the red zone scenario. SABA alone might provide temporary relief but does not treat inflammation, and antibiotics are inappropriate as asthma is not caused by a bacterial infection. Thus, the use of low-dose ICS and formoterol aligns with current management guidelines for effectively addressing both the symptoms and underlying issues during an asthma red zone event.