Asthma is a condition in which the the airway becomes abnormally tightened and closed off (also known as bronchoconstriction). This makes it difficult for patients to breathe. Bronchoconstriction can be treated with medications called bronchodilators, which work via a variety of different mechanisms to help expand the airway, making breathing easier.
Short-Acting Beta Agonists
Short-acting beta agonists are rapid-acting bronchodilators that work by interacting with the signals that the brain uses to control the smooth muscle around the bronchioles. These medications can mimic the effects of a chemical call epinephrine (adrenaline), which causes the smooth muscle around the airways to relax, resulting in dilation of the bronchioles. Examples of short-acting beta agonists are albuterol and pirbuterol.
Long-Acting Beta Agonists
Long-acting beta agonists work via the same mechanism as short-acting medications, but they take longer to have an effect. However, their effects also last longer, which makes them ideal for long-term control of asthma symptoms. Salmeterol and formoterol are two inhalable long-acting beta agonists.
Anticholinergics
Ipratropium is another bronchodilator that can be used to treat asthma. As Medline explains, it is commonly used in concert with a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol, because when the two medications are used together they can be more potent than either medication alone. Ipratropium works by blocking the effects of a chemical called acetylcholine.
Theophylline
Another treatment for asthma is theophylline. Theophylline is a long-acting bronchodilator, which means it is best suited for long-term control of chronic asthma symptoms. It can be taken via pill or an intravenous injection and needs to be used daily for optimal effectiveness.
Member Comments