Bronchodilators open the bronchial tubes to allow more air flow and help clear mucus from the lungs. There are fast-acting bronchodilators used for rescue and long-acting ones used daily to control asthma. Corticosteroids act on the immune system to reduce inflammation and are used for conditions like arthritis and lupus. They can be taken orally, injected, or applied topically. Decongestants relieve nasal and chest congestion by constricting blood flow to reduce swelling in congested areas like the nasal passages.

1. By Natasha Braswell Biology 120 Respiratory Medications

2. Bronchodilators Opens up the bronchial tubes so that more air can move through. They also help clear up mucus from the lungs. As the airway opens up the mucus moves freely and can be coughed out more easily. There are two types of bronchodilators

3. There are two types of bronchodilators Fast acting Which are used only as needed for an asthma “rescue” medication. When inhaled they can take effect within minutes and last 2-4 hours. Example brand name Albuterol, alupent, combivent Long acting Used everyday to control asthma in conjunction with a inhaled steroid. When inhaled it takes 45 minutes to take effect and can last up to 12 hours. Long term use of a bronchodilator without a inhaled steroid increases the risk of death. Example brand name Advair, symbicort and serevent

5. Corticosteroids Are man made drugs closely related to cortisol a hormone which is naturally produced in the cortex. Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions. They also reduce the function of the white blood cell, which increases the risk of infections. They are used to control inflammation of the joints and organs.

6. They are used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They also can be given pre and post organ transplantation, to prevent rejection. They can be given orally Injected into the joints injected into the veins or applied locally to the skin. Example brand name prednisone, cortan, and deltasone

7. Decongestant A decongestant is a medication used to relieve nasal or chest congestion. People usually have nasal congestion due to the common cold, flu or allergies. Decongestants constrict the blood flow in the area of congestion. That then decreases swelling and clears the congested area, usually the nasal passage Examples of medication sudafed and mucinex.