What should be prescribed to a patient who has been using albuterol frequently and visiting the ER for asthma?

For a patient who is frequently using albuterol and visiting the emergency room due to asthma exacerbations, prescribing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) like Flovent is appropriate as it addresses the underlying inflammation associated with asthma. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), which provides quick relief of asthma symptoms but does not prevent exacerbations or address the chronic nature of asthma. Frequent reliance on albuterol indicates that the patient's asthma is not well-controlled, highlighting the need for a controller medication.

Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred long-term management strategy for asthma because they effectively reduce airway inflammation, decrease hyperresponsiveness, and improve overall lung function. By using Flovent, the patient is likely to experience fewer symptoms, reduced use of rescue inhalers, and a lower incidence of emergency visits.

While a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) could be considered for additional control, it is typically used in combination with an ICS and isn't the first choice when a patient's asthma is poorly controlled. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, serves as an alternative controller medication but may not be as effective as ICS in managing chronic asthma symptoms. A short-acting beta-agonist (S