Respiratory Care at Sarkar Hospital, Agra
What is a Bronchodilator?
A bronchodilator is a type of medication that helps open up the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier. It relaxes the muscles around the airways (bronchi), allowing more air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Bronchodilators are commonly used to treat:
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Other lung and breathing disorders
They also help loosen and clear mucus, allowing it to be coughed out more easily.
Bronchodilators are usually given as:
Inhalers
Nebulizer solutions (medicine converted into a fine mist)
Forms of Bronchodilators
Short-Acting Bronchodilators
Provide quick relief during sudden breathing difficulty
Start working within minutes
Effects last 3–6 hours
Also known as rescue or reliever inhalers
Long-Acting Bronchodilators
Keep airways open for up to 12 hours
Used daily to prevent symptoms
Not meant for emergency relief
Types of Bronchodilators
1. Beta-2 Agonists
Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABA)
Used for immediate symptom relief and exercise-induced asthma.
Common examples:
Albuterol (Ventolin®)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex®)
Albuterol + Ipratropium (DuoNeb®)
These usually work within 15–20 minutes.
Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABA)
Used for long-term control and always combined with inhaled steroids for asthma.
Common examples:
Salmeterol (Serevent®)
Formoterol (Foradil®)
Combination inhalers such as:
Advair®
Symbicort®
Breo®
2. Anticholinergics
These medications relax airway muscles by blocking acetylcholine.
Common medications:
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®) – inhaler or nebulizer
Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva®) – inhaler
They are not fast-acting, but very effective for COPD and difficult asthma.
3. Theophylline
Available as an oral tablet
Used for severe asthma control
Requires regular blood tests
Now used less often due to side effects
Side Effects of Bronchodilators
Beta-2 Agonists
Shakiness or nervousness
Fast heartbeat
Trouble sleeping
Upset stomach
Anticholinergics
Dry mouth, nose or throat
Unusual taste
Blurred vision if medicine enters eyes
Difficulty urinating (in some patients)
Theophylline
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Irregular heartbeat
Muscle cramps
Always inform your doctor at Sarkar Hospital if side effects persist.
Are Bronchodilators Steroids?
No.
Bronchodilators relax airway muscles, while steroids reduce inflammation. Many patients require both for effective long-term control.
How to Use a Bronchodilator Inhaler Correctly
Shake the inhaler 10–15 times
Remove the cap
Breathe out fully
Place mouthpiece between lips
Press inhaler once while breathing in slowly
Hold breath for 10 seconds
Breathe out gently
Correct inhaler technique ensures the medicine reaches deep into the lungs.