bronkodilatoiva

Bronkodilatoiva is a term used for bronchodilators, drugs that dilate the bronchi and bronchioles to improve airflow. In English, the standard term is bronchodilator; bronkodilatador is used in Spanish and related languages. They are a key component in managing reversible obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and COPD.

Bronchodilators act through several mechanisms. Beta-2 adrenergic agonists relax airway smooth muscle, with short-acting agents (such as albuterol) for quick relief and long-acting agents (such as salmeterol, formoterol) for maintenance. Anticholinergic agents (ipratropium, tiotropium) block muscarinic receptors to reduce bronchomotor tone. Methylxanthines (theophylline) and PDE-4 inhibitors (roflumilast) increase intracellular cAMP, producing bronchodilation and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory effects. Most bronchodilators are inhaled to maximize lung effect and minimize systemic exposure.

Indications include relief of acute bronchospasm in asthma, maintenance therapy in persistent asthma when used with inhaled corticosteroids, and long-term management of COPD. They may be delivered by inhalers, dry powder devices, or nebulizers; oral or intravenous forms are used in certain settings, such as severe exacerbations.

Safety and side effects vary by agent but commonly include tachycardia, tremor, dry mouth, and urinary retention with anticholinergics. Overuse of short-acting beta-agonists can worsen outcomes in asthma without concurrent anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinicians select bronchodilators based on the disease, severity, and comorbidities, often combining them with anti-inflammatory medications for comprehensive control.