A bronchodilator is a medical device that delivers medication to your airway passages and lungs to control the symptoms of asthma and chronic-obstructive pulmonary disorders like emphesyma and chronic bronchitis. It contains an aerosol container that holds the medicine and is housed inside a device that is used to deliver the medication into your lungs. Patients utilize the medicine inside the bronchodilator by inhaling it as it exits the device.

What is a Bronchodilator?

Diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, can make it very hard to breathe. The bronchodilator delivers medicine to your lungs that helps to dilate the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles that are located within the respiratory tract. Once the medicine is delivered, breathing is eased and more efficient. There are two types of bronchodilators: short-acting, which relieve symptoms and are used only during COPD flare-ups or asthma attacks, and long-acting, which are used on an ongoing basis to prevent flare-ups or asthma attacks from occurring.

How Do I Use the Bronchodilator?

Remove the lid from the mouthpiece of the bronchodilator. Shake the device gently to ensure that the medication is properly mixed. Insert the mouthpiece into your mouth and exhale deeply, then take a deep breath as you quickly press on the aerosol medicine container. This will deliver a quick puff of medicine deep into your lungs. If your doctor has prescribed multiple inhalations in each dosing session, wait at least one minute before completing subsequent inhalations. Do not use the bronchodilator more often than your doctor has prescribed. Extra doses will not increase the efficiency of the medicine. Your body can become resistant to the medicine over time, so it is important to follow your physician's dosing instructions very carefully.

Side Effects and Considerations

The most common side effects associated with bronchodilating drugs are dry mouth, scratchy or sore throat, headaches, changes in taste, heartburn, nervousness, anxiety, sweating, trembling and lack of appetitie. These side effects usually go away on their own after your body gets used to the medicine. MedicineNet.com recommends sucking on ice chips or sugarless hard candies to minimize throat irritation and dry mouth, which are among the most common side effects. Drinking plenty of water can also help. If you develop a yellowing of the eyes or skin, swelling of your hands or face, difficulty breathing or a rash, consult your doctor immediately, as you may be allergic to the medicine in the device.

Source:

MedicineNet.com