Principles of Bronchodilator Therapy in Airway Disease

Course overview

Bronchodilators are central to the management of noninfectious respiratory diseases due to their ability to rapidly improve airflow by modulating airway smooth muscle tone. This course provides a mechanism-based review of bronchodilator pharmacology, emphasizing autonomic pathways, duration of action, and delivery characteristics that influence clinical response. Short- and long-acting bronchodilators are examined in the context of symptom relief, maintenance therapy, and safety limitations, including systemic effects and inappropriate escalation. By focusing on pharmacologic principles rather than individual treatment algorithms, this course supports accurate interpretation of bronchodilator response, recognition of nonresponse, and safer integration of bronchodilators into respiratory care.