Bronchodilator Essay Example for Free

Bronchodilator Essay By definition, a bronchodilator is a drug used for the treatment of chronic breathing complications such as emphysema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as COPD. Bronchodilators are used to reverse the effect of obstructed airways acting as decompressor and mucus removers that cause breathing complications. There is short term or short acting bronchodilators that act as â€Å"rescue medications† (Webmd. com). These rescue medications are used in more emergency instances as with asthma. Long-acting bronchodilators are used for the maintance of such diseases as COPD which is more chronic. Each bronchodilator type â€Å"opens bronchial tubes so that air can move through†¦. And help clear mucus from lungs (webmd. com). Bronchodilators such as uniphyl and Phyllocontin come in the form of a pill or tablet and are a sustained release formulation of another drug called Theophylline which opens constricted lung passages. These are more long term treatments. Short term or more frequent usage as with advair, symbicort, serevent, Foradil, are inhaled and last between two and four hours while long term tablets use lasts upwards of 12 hours. Although bronchodilators provide control over congested airways, they also act as stimulants and have an array of side effects. These side effects include: nervousness, hyperactivity, heart palpations, upset stomach, trouble sleeping, and muscle aches. Bronchodilators are approved by the FDA and originated in emergency room settings, where the necessity was abundant for chronic asthma attack patients. Albuterol, commonly used for the maintenance of asthma in an inhaler form is often however more effective than most other long acting bronchodilators. Albuterol is considered an anticholinergic bronchodilator. As previously mentioned, theophylline, an inexpensive bronchodilator acts as a stimulant similar to caffeine. Theophylline stimulants the heart and nervous system, relaxing airway muscles. Some side effects of its use include nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache, headache, and irregular heartbeat. Some bronchodilators contain adrenaline so mixing with other stimulating drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes; thyroid, hyperactivity, and heart disease are discouraged from the use of bronchodilators. Inhaled bronchodilators â€Å"enable the drug to reach into the lungs for maximum benefits† (medicine. net). It is a possibility to overdose on inhaled bronchodilators. Some signs of overdose include seizures, headaches, fainting and dizziness, and chest pains. If one is experiencing symptoms similar while using inhaled bronchodilators it is advised to visit a local emergency room or primary care physician. Alternate treatment conducive to bronchodilators includes pulmonary rehab and therapy. Excessive use of bronchodilators makes the treatments less effective and increases the probability of side effects. It is uncommon to have allergic reactions to bronchodilators but in the event, rash, itching, swelling and further complications occur, further use is discouraged. Some conditions treatable with bronchodilators are commonly COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is â€Å"an irreversible disease associated with air flow obstruction†. (purdue. ca/products/products-asthma-asb) COPD umbrellas a category of other conditions such as emphysema, (irreversible lung damage/over inflation/weaking of air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation and scarring of airways tubes. Common symptoms of these conditions include: chronic chough, wheezing increased mucus, shortness of breath, and tiresome minimal activity. COPD is more predominantly caused by cigarette smoking however; other causes may include genetics, air pollution, cystic fibrosis, and childhood infections. Another condition treatable with bronchodilators is asthma. Asthma is also a chronic lung disease that causes swelling of the airways which creates complications with breathing. Causes of asthma are less solid than those of COPD but implicate being due to an† immune-mediated processing which inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators enter airway tissues to cause disease† (purdue. ca/products/products-asthma. asp). One who is diagnosed with asthma often becomes sensitive to hair sprays, cosmetics, cleaners, paints, pollens, animals and cock roaches, chemicals, temperature, and even some foods, An asthma attack is experienced with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightening, persistent coughed and dyspnea. Bronchodilators are most effectively used while avoiding things that further complicate breathing. This is especially true with cigarette smoke which should be avoided first and second hand. Bronchodilators work most when used according to prescription and consistency. One should always educate self when or before exposing the body to such drugs as bronchodilators which are often stimulants and cause brief and sudden body changes.