In the management of asthma, what medication is appropriate for a patient experiencing frequent exacerbations?

Budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) is an appropriate medication for patients experiencing frequent exacerbations of asthma due to its combination of a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). The corticosteroid component, budesonide, works to reduce inflammation in the airways, which is a critical aspect in managing asthma and preventing exacerbations. The LABA component, formoterol, provides bronchodilation by relaxing the muscles around the airways, thus improving airflow and reducing symptoms.

This combination is particularly effective for patients who require more than just a rescue inhaler, such as short-acting beta agonists, which only provide temporary relief of symptoms without addressing the underlying inflammation. In contrast, medications like leukotriene receptor antagonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists may have a role in management but are not as directly effective as budesonide/formoterol in preventing frequent exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe asthma. The synergistic effect of this combination helps to control asthma more effectively and maintain better overall lung function.