A 35-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe acute asthma exacerbation. He is tachypneic, using accessory muscles, and has diffuse wheezing with prolonged expiration. His peak expiratory flow (PEF) is 40% of his personal best. What is the MOST appropriate initial pharmacologic treatment?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
For severe asthma exacerbations, initial management involves frequent inhaled SABAs (e.g., albuterol) to induce bronchodilation and systemic corticosteroids (oral or IV) to reduce airway inflammation.