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Medications Used in Respiratory Pharmacology |   |
| The goal of respiratory pharmacology is to prevent or relieve the pathologic triad discussed at the beginning of this CEU module: bronchospasm, airway inflammation or mucosal edema, and retained secretions. The medicating agents used to relieve these symptoms can be referred to as the "treatment triad." The pathologic triad and treatments include: |  |
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Pathologic Condition
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Treatment
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Bronchoconstriction
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Bronchodilator (eg.,
albuterol)
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Airway edema
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Decongestant (eg., recemic
epinephrine)
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Retained secretions
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Hydration or mucolytics
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The actions of the various categories of pharmacologic agents used to relieve the pathologic triad can be briefly summarized as:
Bronchodilators increase airway patency by relaxing the bronchial muscle spasm triggered by disease or irritation.
Decongestants cause contraction of the muscle fibers of the arterioles and small arteries, triggering a reduction of blood flow to the affected area and lowering of hydrostatic pressure that permits fluid to move into the tissues.
Mucokinetics facilitate loosening and mobilization of secretions.