Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are a type of medication that make breathing easier. They help relieve the symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD and other lung conditions by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways, or bronchi. Bronchodilators quickly relax the muscle bands that tighten around the airways, allowing more air to come in and out of the lungs for more comfortable breathing.
There are long-acting forms and short-acting forms of bronchodilators. They may be taken as an inhaler, nebulizer solution (a medical device that transforms liquid medicine into a mist) or tablet.
RWJBarnabas Health primary care physicians and pulmonologists, or lung specialists, may prescribe bronchodilators to address lung diseases or conditions.
Bronchodilators for Lung Health
Bronchodilators are often used to treat lung conditions where the airways become narrow and inflamed, such as asthma and COPD. They relax the muscles that surround the airways in the lungs, helping to open the airways and making it easier to breathe.
Inhaled corticosteroids (steroids) are the main treatment for asthma, but some people benefit from taking bronchodilators as well. Bronchodilators help to keep the airways open and enhance the effects of steroids which work to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
Types of Bronchodilators
There are three main types of bronchodilators, beta 2-agonists, anticholinergics and theophylline bronchodilators.
Beta 2-Agonists
- SABAs (short-acting or rescue medicines) quickly open the airways to stop asthma symptoms and are best for treating sudden or severe symptoms. These are also called rescue inhalers and are used for short-term relief on an as-needed basis. They quickly relieve or stop sudden asthma symptoms and are effective for 3 to 6 hours.
- LABAs (long-acting or controller medicines) for long-term control and maintenance of the airways. They should be used with an inhaled corticosteroid. Taken daily, these help to control breathlessness in asthma and COPD. They can keep airways open for 12 hours and are usually used for more moderate to severe lung disorders.
Anticholinergics
These medicines block the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that your body makes, and help control asthma symptoms.
Theophylline
This medication is used together with other medicines to treat symptoms of lung conditions but with many other options for treatment it is not a preferred treatment method.
Benefits of Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are one of the main treatments for respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis. They help:
- Reduce symptoms such as wheezing and trouble breathing
- Prevent flare-ups of asthma and COPD
- Improve health status
- Improve exercise tolerance
Side Effects of Bronchodilators
The side effects of bronchodilators vary according to the specific type of medicine prescribed but are usually mild or short-lived. They may include:
- Dry mouth
- Hyperactivity
- Increased or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Nervous or shaky feelings
Your primary care physician or pulmonologist can work with you to help mitigate any side effects experienced from bronchodilators.
Make an appointment today with a primary care physician or a pulmonologist to help manage your lung condition with bronchodilators.