Bronchodilators
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for indoor, outdoor, and food-related allergies
Targets the root cause of allergies by training your immune system over time
Convenient at-home treatment, shipped directly to you
Personalized formulas tailored to your specific allergy triggers
Clinician-guided care, prescribed and monitored by licensed Allergy Center providers
Starting at
$50/mo
Overview
Bronchodilators are rescue medications that quickly relax and open the airways during asthma symptoms. They provide rapid relief from wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
types
short Acting
description
Quick-relief medications for acute symptoms
examples
- Albuterol (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)
- Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
- Pirbuterol (Maxair)
onset
Works within minutes
duration
Lasts 4-6 hours
use
As needed for symptoms or before exercise
long Acting
description
Used in combination with inhaled steroids for maintenance
examples
- Salmeterol (Serevent)
- Formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)
note
Always used with inhaled corticosteroid, never alone
use
Daily maintenance therapy
combination
description
Combined long-acting bronchodilator with inhaled steroid
examples
- Advair (Fluticasone/Salmeterol)
- Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol)
- Dulera (Mometasone/Formoterol)
use
Daily controller therapy
best For
- Acute asthma symptoms
- Wheezing episodes
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
- Quick relief during asthma attacks
technique
steps
- Shake inhaler well (for metered-dose inhalers)
- Exhale completely
- Place mouthpiece in mouth or use spacer
- Press down on canister while breathing in slowly and deeply
- Hold breath for 10 seconds
- Wait 1 minute before second puff if needed
- Rinse mouth after use (for combination medications)
tips
- Use spacer for better delivery
- Use at first sign of symptoms - don't wait
- Carry rescue inhaler at all times
- If using more than 2 times per week, asthma may not be well controlled
when To Use
rescue
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
exercise
Use 15-30 minutes before exercise if exercise triggers symptoms
frequency
If using more than 2 times per week, contact healthcare provider - may need controller medication
side Effects
common
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Tremor or shakiness
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Headache
- Dry mouth or throat irritation
serious
- Severe rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Worsening breathing problems
when To Seek Help
If symptoms don't improve after using rescue inhaler, or if you need to use it more frequently than usual, seek immediate medical attention
important
- Rescue inhalers are for immediate symptom relief
- Not a substitute for controller medications
- If using frequently, asthma may not be well controlled
- Always carry rescue inhaler
- Seek emergency care if symptoms don't improve after use
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.