Final answer:
Albuterol sulfate, present in Proventil HFA and Proair HFA, assists in managing asthma and respiratory conditions by acting as a bronchodilator to open up airways and provide quick relief during an asthma attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
Albuterol sulfate, found in medications such as Proventil HFA and Proair HFA, is prescribed for asthma and respiratory conditions. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators, which help to relax and open air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Albuterol is used in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. The symptoms of an asthma attack, like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness of the chest, are manageable with the use of inhaled medications like albuterol, which acts as a fast-acting relief during an asthma episode. Additionally, long-term asthma control often employs corticosteroids that prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airways.