Taking Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that help open the airways (bronchi) of your lungs. This lets more air flow through them. These medicines work by relaxing the smooth muscles that line the airways. This makes the airways open wider. And it allows air to leave the lungs. These medicines are used to ease breathing problems caused by lung diseases. These include asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

There are two main types:

• Short-acting bronchodilators. These ease symptoms quickly.

• Long-acting bronchodilators. These control symptoms over time. They are not used for quick relief.

These medicines are used differently. Make sure you know if you have a short-acting or a long-acting medicine. Your provider may prescribe one or both types.

Know your medicine

Your health care provider prescribed a bronchodilator for you. The name of your medicine is ____________________________________________.

Guidelines for use

Follow these guidelines for using a bronchodilator:

• Follow the fact sheet that came with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.

• Take your medicine exactly as directed. Ask your care team if you have any questions about taking your medicine.

• Tell your health care provider about any other medicines you are taking. This includes over-the-counter or herbal medicines.

• Don’t take a higher dose of this medicine than prescribed. This can lead to serious side effects and even death.

• Talk to your provider if you need to use your quick-relief medicine often. Using too much of it could mean that your condition is not controlled well. Your provider will help find the medicine that is right for you.

More tips

• If you smoke, quit. Join a stop-smoking program to help you quit.

• Don’t allow anyone to smoke in your home or around you.

• Learn to use a peak flow meter. This device helps you check how well your condition is controlled. It can help you know if you need medical care. Talk with your provider about getting a peak flow meter if you don't have one.

• Lower indoor humidity in your home to less than 50%. Dehumidifiers or air conditioners can help you do this.

• Get recommended vaccines. These include those for the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days.

Possible side effects

Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects. Don’t stop taking the medicine until your provider tells you to. Mild side effects include:

• Anxiety or nervousness.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Nausea.

• Headache.

• Tremor.

• Faster heart rate.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.

• A feeling that your heart is skipping a beat (palpitations).

• Coughing.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Drowsiness.

• Sweating.

• Diarrhea.

• Vomiting.

• Weakness.

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.