Which medication was the 10-year-old boy using to manage his asthma?

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist commonly prescribed for the management of asthma in children and adults. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow during an asthma attack.

For a 10-year-old boy with asthma, albuterol would likely be the medication he uses as a rescue inhaler to relieve acute symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. It is often the first-line choice for immediate relief due to its rapid onset of action, typically effective within minutes.

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, primarily used in chronic conditions like COPD, and would not be the first choice for an acute asthma attack. Levalbuterol is similar to albuterol and could also be used; however, it is less commonly prescribed as a first option and is often considered when patients have specific intolerance to albuterol. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term management and control of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief. Therefore, albuterol is the most appropriate medication for acute management in a child with asthma.