What primary symptom do SABAs alleviate in asthma?

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are the first-line treatment for acute relief in asthma management. They work by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airway smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation. This action primarily alleviates shortness of breath, which is a hallmark symptom in various acute asthma episodes.

While each of the other options—cough, wheezing, and chest tightness—can also occur during an asthma exacerbation, shortness of breath is particularly notable because it often represents the most immediate and distressing symptom causing a patient to seek relief. As patients experience bronchoconstriction, airflow limitations lead to an increased work of breathing and a sense of suffocation or difficulty breathing, which SABAs effectively counteract.

Therefore, the most direct and immediate effect of SABAs is the alleviation of shortness of breath, making it the primary symptom they target during an asthma exacerbation.