Bronchodilator
A bronchodilator or broncholytic (although the latter occasionally includes secretory inhibition as well) is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. Bronchodilators may be originating naturally within the body, or they may be medications administered for the treatment of breathing difficulties, usually in the form of inhalers. They are most useful in obstructive lung diseases, of which asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the most common conditions. Although this remains somewhat controversial, they might be useful in bronchiolitis and bronchiectasis. They are often prescribed but of unproven significance in restrictive lung diseases.

Bronchodilators are either short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting medications provide quick or "rescue" relief from acute bronchoconstriction. Long-acting bronchodilators help to control and prevent symptoms. The three types of prescription bronchodilating drugs are β2("beta two")-adrenergic agonists (short- and long-acting), anticholinergics (short- and long-acting), and theophylline (long-acting).
None
secretory
UNK
Q181602
bronchi
Concept
Q502704
bronchiole
Concept
Q7891
respiratory airway
Concept
Q7886
lung
Concept
Q285982
originating naturally within the body
UNK
Q12140
medication
Concept
Q1394363
inhaler
Concept
Q3508797
obstructive lung disease
Concept
Q35869
asthma
Concept
Q199804
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Concept
Q424227
bronchiolitis
Concept
Q32778
bronchiectasis
Concept
Q7316336
restrictive lung disease
Concept
Q4375
bronchoconstriction
Concept
Q423482
β2("beta two")-adrenergic agonists
Concept
Q113259
anticholinergics
Concept
Q407308
theophylline
Concept
Q927234
Bronchodilator
Concept
Q927234
Bronchodilator
Concept
+2^^http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#decimal
2
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subclass of
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