Bronchodilator: meaning, definitions and examples
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bronchodilator
[ ˌbrɒŋkəʊˈdaɪləˌteɪə ]
medical treatment
A bronchodilator is a type of medication that relaxes and opens the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By dilating the bronchial tubes, these medications help alleviate symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
Synonyms
airway relaxant, asthma medication
Examples of usage
- The patient was prescribed a bronchodilator for his asthma.
- Using a bronchodilator can quickly relieve asthma symptoms.
- Bronchodilators are essential for managing COPD.
- She carried a bronchodilator in case of an asthma attack.
Translations
Translations of the word "bronchodilator" in other languages:
🇵🇹 broncodilatador
🇮🇳 ब्रोंकोडायलेटर
🇩🇪 Bronchodilatator
🇮🇩 bronkodilator
🇺🇦 бронходилятор
🇵🇱 bromokryptyna
🇯🇵 気管支拡張薬
🇫🇷 bronchodilatateur
🇪🇸 broncodilatador
🇹🇷 bronkodilatör
🇰🇷 기관지 확장제
🇸🇦 موسع الشعب الهوائية
🇨🇿 bronchodilatátor
🇸🇰 bronkodilátor
🇨🇳 支气管扩张剂
🇸🇮 bronkodilatator
🇮🇸 berkjubreyti
🇰🇿 бро́нходилятор
🇬🇪 ბრონქოდილატორი
🇦🇿 bronxdilatator
🇲🇽 broncodilatador
Etymology
The term 'bronchodilator' is derived from the combination of 'broncho-' and 'dilator.' 'Broncho-' comes from the Greek word 'bronkhios,' meaning 'windpipe' or 'airway,' and 'dilator' originates from the Latin 'dilatare,' which means 'to spread out' or 'expand.' The use of bronchodilators in medicine began to gain prominence in the mid-20th century, particularly as the understanding of asthma and other respiratory diseases improved. Early bronchodilators were primarily derived from natural compounds, but advancements in pharmacology have led to the development of synthetic alternatives that are highly effective and widely used today. Throughout the years, the formulations of bronchodilators have evolved to include short-acting and long-acting versions, providing patients with tailored treatment options depending on their specific needs.