If you have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis you may have been prescribed bronchodilators—but what is a bronchodilator and what does it do?

MORE: What to expect while living with bronchiectasis.

A bronchodilator is a generic term for an inhaled medication used to treat bronchiectasis. It works by relaxing the airway muscles. Bronchodilator medications can be fast-acting and can be used when relief is needed immediately to remedy a sudden shortness of breath, or long-acting to help manage the symptoms of bronchiectasis.

Fast-acting bronchodilators work by stimulating receptors present in the bronchi that relax the smooth muscle in the airways allowing the patient to breathe easier.

Long-acting bronchodilators work by stimulating certain enzymes present in the lung muscle cells. This helps to open the airways further, allowing easier breathing. Find out more about bronchodilators here.

MORE: Read our six tips for managing bronchiectasis on a daily basis. 

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