For which condition would you NOT typically prescribe a LABA?

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) are commonly used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in patients who have persistent symptoms. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to keep them open for a longer period compared to short-acting beta agonists.

In the case of an acute asthma exacerbation, the primary goal is rapid relief of symptoms. For this situation, short-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, are the preferred choice because they act quickly (within minutes) to provide immediate relief of bronchospasm. LABAs, due to their longer onset and duration of action, are not suitable for treating acute symptoms. Using a LABA during an acute exacerbation would not be effective for quickly alleviating distress and could lead to delays in proper management.

In contrast, LABAs are appropriate for long-term control in conditions like severe exercise-induced asthma, persistent asthma, and COPD, where they can contribute to better overall control of respiratory symptoms over time.