bronchodilator

American  

[brong-koh-dahy-ley-ter, -di-] / ˌbrɒŋ koʊ daɪˈleɪ tər, -dɪ- /

noun

1. a substance that acts to dilate constricted bronchial tubes to aid breathing, used especially for relief of asthma.

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bronchodilator British  

/ ˈbrɒŋkəʊdaɪˌleɪtə /

noun

1. any drug or other agent that causes dilation of the bronchial tubes by relaxing bronchial muscle: used, esp in the form of aerosol sprays, for the relief of asthma

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bronchodilator Scientific  

/ brŏng′kō-dī-lā′tər,-dī′lā- /

1. A drug that widens the air passages of the lungs and eases breathing by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.

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Etymology

Origin of bronchodilator

First recorded in 1900–05; broncho- + dilator

Example Sentences

If a patient improves their exhalation after the bronchodilator, “then it’s asthma,” she says.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2023

For asthma assessment, you do the test twice, the second time after using an inhaler that delivers bronchodilator medicine to open up the airways.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2023

And, unlike bronchodilator drugs, says Biswal, Nrf2 activators might not just treat the disease's symptoms but also arrest its course.

From Nature • Sep. 26, 2012

Unquestionably, Lasix is a bronchodilator that enhances respiratory functions.

From New York Times • May 7, 2011

Generally, a short-acting bronchodilator should be used to open the airways rapidly.

From Time Magazine Archive