Bronchodilator drugs

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Bronchodilator drugs are drugs help to relieve breathing difficulties caused by asthma, bronchitis and bronchiolitis.

Air entering the lungs goes through the main airway (bronchus) and then into the smaller airways (bronchioles), to the air sacs (alveoli) where it enriches the blood with oxygen.

Breathing difficulties include shortness of breath, coughing, rattling and wheezing, normally as a result of the narrowing of the bronchiole tubes. The tubes contract and the lining swells, narrowing the space for air to pass through. Tightness of the muscle surrounding the bronchioles, or a build up of excess mucus because of inflammation or infection is usually to blame.

Broncholdilators cause the bronchioles to relax and widen; which makes breathing easier.

Main types of bronchodilators:

Sympathomimetics and antispasmodic drugs (including anticholinergics and antimuscarinics) - relax the muscles and reduce muscle contractions (spasms), by interfering with nerve signals to muscles,
Xanthines - thought to relax muscles by directly affecting the muscle fibres,
Corticosteroids - relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Usually effective in a few days and often reduce frequency of attacks.