What medication should be prescribed for a 15-year-old patient experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation at home?

In the context of managing a severe asthma exacerbation, prescribing oral prednisone for 5-7 days is an appropriate and commonly recommended course of action. During an exacerbation, particularly when symptoms are not adequately controlled with quick-relief medications alone, systemic corticosteroids like prednisone can significantly reduce airway inflammation and help restore normal respiratory function.

In the case of this 15-year-old patient, oral prednisone provides a rapid anti-inflammatory effect that can alleviate acute symptoms and prevent the exacerbation from worsening. This approach is particularly effective when the patient is experiencing significant distress or has not responded sufficiently to their usual quick-relief medication.

Using inhaled corticosteroids alone may not be sufficient during a severe exacerbation as they are typically intended for long-term control rather than immediate relief. Short-acting beta agonists, while crucial for relieving acute symptoms, may not provide the essential anti-inflammatory effects needed during a significant flare-up. Lastly, long-acting beta agonists are not indicated for the acute management of asthma exacerbations; they are better suited for maintenance therapy rather than immediate relief.