bronchodilator

bronchodilator /bron·cho·di·la·tor/ (-di´la-ter)

1. expanding the lumina of the air passages of the lungs.

2. an agent which causes dilatation of the bronchi.

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bron·cho·di·la·tor (brngk-d-ltr, -dl-, -d-l-)

n.

An agent that causes an increase in the caliber of a bronchus or bronchial tube and eases breathing by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.

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Bronchodilator

A medicine used to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs.

Mentioned in: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

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bronchodilator

[-dilā′tər]

a substance, especially a drug, that relaxes contractions of the smooth muscle of the bronchioles to improve ventilation to the lungs. Pharmacologic bronchodilators are prescribed to improve aeration in asthma, bronchiectasis, bronchitis, and emphysema. Commonly used bronchodilators include albuterol, terbutaline, and various derivatives and combinations of these drugs. The adverse effects vary, depending on the particular class of the bronchodilating drug. In general, bronchodilators are given with caution to people with impaired cardiac function. Nervousness, irritability, gastritis, or palpitations of the heart may occur.

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bronchodilator (brong´kōdī-lā´tur),

n a drug that dilates, or expands, the size of the lumina of the air passages of the lungs by relaxing the muscular walls.

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bronchodilator

1. expanding the lumina of the air passages of the lungs.

2. an agent that causes dilatation of the bronchi. Epinephrine is one of the most powerful bronchodilators and can be administered by injection or by aerosol. Some drugs used to enlarge the lumen of the bronchi and thereby facilitate breathing and removal of secretions are albuterol, ipratropium and aminophylline.

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bronchodilator-antitussive combination

see antitussive-bronchodilator combination.

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bronchodilator

Chest medicine Any agent that dilates airway lumina, to ↑ airflow, given to wheezing Pts Examples Theophylline, aminophylline, epinephrine, Alupent, metaproterenol, isoproterenol, Ventolin, Proventil, salmeterol, pirbuterol, albuterol. See Adrenergic bronchodilator, Asthma, Wheezing.