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Immunology => Asthma => Bronchodilator
Bronchodilator
Bronchodilator, type of drug that is inhaled to relieve constriction of the bronchial passages during asthma attacks. It relaxes the smooth muscles of bronchial airways by stimulating specific receptors (adrenoreceptors) in the bronchial cells. Short-acting adrenoreceptor stimulants (salbutamol and terbutaline) relieve symptoms immediately, for up to six hours. They also prevent some of the inflammatory response that produces asthmatic secretions, and are for use only when symptoms arise. Rapid-acting bronchodilators (salmeterol and eformoterol) provide longer periods of relief (up to 12 hours) for children over 4 years of age, and are used to control symptoms at night or following exercise-induced attacks. Bambuterol, taken orally, lasts up to 24 hours, but is only for adult use.
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