What is the goal of bronchodilator therapy?

The primary goal of bronchodilator therapy is to relax bronchial smooth muscle, which helps to open up the airways in the lungs. This is particularly important for patients who are experiencing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where bronchoconstriction leads to narrowed airways and difficulty breathing. By administering bronchodilators, the smooth muscle around the airways is targeted, resulting in dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles, improved airflow, and alleviation of respiratory distress. This therapeutic effect allows patients to breathe more easily and enhances overall respiratory function.

Other options, such as increasing respiratory rate, suppressing inflammation, and promoting oxygen absorption, are not the primary actions of bronchodilators. While these aspects may be important in the broader context of managing respiratory conditions, bronchodilators specifically focus on relieving airway constriction.