A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing airway resistance and thereby facilitating airflow. Bronchodilators are most useful in obstructive lung diseases such asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sarcoidosis.
A bronchodilator is delivered either by Medicated Dose Inhalers (MDI) or Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI) may be useful to reduce shortness of breath (dyspnea). As opposed to steroid inhalers, which are immunosuppressive, it is okay and sometimes essential to use bronchodilators while on the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP).
Note that some combination products including Seretide, Advair, and Symbicort contain both bronchiodilating and steroidal medications and are therefore contraindicated.
Note that generic inhalers are less expensive than their brand name equivalents.
Short-acting bronchodilators provide immediate relief of respiratory symptoms and have a short-term (several hours) effect. These medications include:
Long-acting bronchodilators relieve symptoms for up to 12-24 hours. They include:
The side effects of all bronchodilators include increased heart rate, hyperactivity, feeling nervous, shaky, or over-excited, upset stomach or difficulty sleeping. If necessary, these symptoms may counteracted with anti-anxiety medication.
I have pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and had sarcoidosis in both lungs. Mostly the MP takes care of it, but if that is not enough (seldom needed), then I use my albuterol inhaler. Before the MP, I was constantly on a nebulizer, which I have not had to use since on MP.
Barney, MarshallProtocol.com