This type of drug reduces the tone of smooth muscle in the lungs’ BRONCHIOLES and therefore increases their diameter. Such drugs are used in the treatment of diseases that cause bronchoconstriction, such as ASTHMA and BRONCHITIS. As bronchiolar tone is a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, most bronchodilators are either B2 receptor agonists or cholinergic receptor antagonists – although theophyllines are also useful.
n. an agent that causes widening of the air passages by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. *Sympathomimetic drugs that stimulate ?2 adrenoceptors, such as *formoterol, *salbutamol, and *terbutaline, are potent bronchodilators and are used for relief of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These drugs are often administered as aerosols, giving rapid relief, but at high doses they may stimulate the heart. Some antimuscarinic drugs (e.g. *ipratropium and *theophylline) are also used as bronchodilators.
Herbs that expand the clear space within the bronchial tubes, thus opening-up airways and relieving obstruction. Effective for asthma, bronchitis, emphysema. May help cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and relieve cough. Ephedra, Euphorbia hirta, Lobelia, Mouse Ear, Sundew, White Horehound, White Squills, Wild Thyme. ... bronchodilators
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