In treating asthma, what confirms the effectiveness of using only albuterol?

The effectiveness of using albuterol in treating asthma is confirmed by improved breathing without wheezing. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, leading to bronchodilation. When a patient experiences relief from wheezing and improves their ability to breathe, it indicates that the medication is functioning as intended by opening the airways and alleviating asthmatic symptoms. This improvement in respiratory function is a direct measurement of how well the treatment is working, making it the most relevant indicator of success in this scenario.

Other factors like heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels do not directly reflect the primary purpose of albuterol, which is to alleviate airway obstruction and improve airflow in patients experiencing asthma symptoms. Therefore, the focus is properly placed on the patient's respiratory response—specifically, the alleviation of wheezing—which signifies effective bronchodilation.