Side Effects of Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that provide relief from constriction of the muscles for patients who are suffering from asthma. The constricted muscles of the air passages inside the lungs are soothed, and when bronchodilators are used they facilitate in keeping the passage open. Unfortunately, some experience side effects on bronchodilators, so it is important to be able to recognize potential problems or reactions to the medication.

Types

• Broncholdilators can help to improve air capacity for those with asthma.

  Quick acting bronchodilators are administered orally, and are prescribed to provide instant relief from the symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and breathing in spurts. Quick acting bronchodilators take effect within 5-10 minutes and provide relief for approximately 3-4 hours. Long-acting bronchodilators do not provide instant relief. Long-acting bronchodilators take effect in about 20 minutes and work for approximately 10-12 hours.

Purpose

• A bronchodilator is a substance that is inhaled and works by relaxing the muscles along the airway. The purpose of a bronchodilator is to facilitate airflow by reducing the constriction. Because bronchodilators are high dose stimulants, they often lead to unwanted side effects.

Side Effects

• Drinking water or gargling can help reduce some of the throat related symptoms of a bronchodilator.

  Side effects of bronchodilators often involve nausea, diarrhea, headaches, changes in heartbeat, nervousness, cramping muscles, and hyperactivity. Be sure to follow the dosages prescribed by your physician carefully, as taking too much of the medication can often trigger such side effects. Some patients may develop irritation in the throat or dryness after using either type of bronchodilator. It can however be brought under control by sipping water after every doze or gargling and rinsing the mouth to keep the surface areas of the mouth moist.

  More severe side effects can involve chest pain or discomfort, sudden bruising, unfocused vision, and the hands or feet going numb. Your doctor may change the type of bronchodilator to see if the symptoms dissipate or create another treatment plan to avoid stimulant use.

Allergic Reactions

• Some patients who are on bronchodilators can have an allergic reaction, such as rashes or hives. If this occurs when you are taking a bronchodilator, seek immediate medical assistance.

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Considerations

• Most of the side effects associated with the usage of bronchodilators do not require any medical attention if they do not alter one's day-to-day activities.

Warning

• Medicines should always be taken in exact dosage and frequency prescribed by the doctors. The quantity of dosage should not be altered to get fast relief as it can lead to serious side effects. In case the side effects do not vanish on their own, and they are unusual, get in touch with the physician who prescribed the bronchodilators.