Which medication is primarily used to treat asthma?

Albuterol is a medication that falls under the category of bronchodilators, specifically as a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Its primary role in asthma treatment is to relieve bronchospasm, which is the tightening of muscles around the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. Albuterol works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, causing the airways to dilate and making it easier for patients to breathe.

In addition to its immediate relief of acute asthma symptoms, albuterol is commonly prescribed for use during asthma attacks or before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Its rapid onset of action makes it an essential component of asthma management.

Other options, while they have their own therapeutic uses, do not play a role in the treatment of asthma. Aspirin is primarily an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication, not indicated for asthma relief. Metformin is used for managing type 2 diabetes and does not affect bronchial function. Sertraline is an antidepressant that is used to treat mood disorders and is not relevant to asthma treatment.