How does albuterol work?

Question

Back in October I had bronchitis really bad and my doctor prescribed me an albuterol inhaler. I didnt need to use it that much when I was sick, and I still have some left. I have found that when I have a really bad allergy attack ( like when my chest feels hot and heavy and itchy from dog dander and i cant stop coughing) that one puff on the inhaler calms me right down. Is it ok to use it like this occasionally? How does it work?

Answer 1

Albuterol is a bronchodilator. In the air passages, there are little muscles that cause the airways to constrict. Albuterol tells these muscles to relax, thus widening the airway. It is usually okay if used sparingly (during the occasional mild asthma attack). If you are using it frequently (two or three times a week) or if you get side effects from it (shaky, nervous, rapid heart rate), you should talk to your doctor about other options.

Answer 2

Yes it's prmary use is for asthama, which has wheezing as a major symptom. It may be he has a minor case of that. My two oldest sons both wheeze when they get colds and albuterol does the trick. I've never noticed any changes in sleep with them while they take it. Edit: one of them is 8 now, the other 2, but we've done this with them both since they were babies. I think the first time I used albuterol on my oldest he was about 3 months.

Answer 3

I have severe COPD I use albuterol during an attack

It helps me

I have an inhaler in my reach 24/7

Answer 4

Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. Albuterol inhalation also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Albuterol is in a class of medications called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Answer 5

Albuterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscles and improve oxygen delivery

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsDrugs/Albuterolcd.html

dilates the airways rapidly

Answer 6

Albuteral is a bronchodilator which acts on smooth muscle structure in the bronchial tree. In other words, it opens up the bronchial tubes and allows air to flow freely.

Answer 7

Asthmatic medication?

Answer 8

i believe so ,my ma has asma and she uses it all the time.