BRONCHODILATORS

Asthma symptoms such as labored breathing, wheezing, and chest constriction are sometimes caused by the tightening of the involuntary muscle bands around the bronchial tubes and lungs.  These tautened muscles squeeze the airways so that air flow in and out of the lungs is restricted.  Doctors usually prescribe bronchodilators to relax the bronchial muscles so that airways will widen and normal breathing can be restored.  There are two types of bronchodilators.  One is a rescue inhaler that contains a short-acting bronchodilator that works quickly to relieve asthma symptoms at the onset of an attack.  The other is a long-acting bronchodilator that is taken daily to keep airways open and to help prevent asthma attacks from occurring.

P.S.   Carrying a rescue inhaler at all times ensures that it can be used at the onset of an asthma attack or before strenuous exercise.

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