Long-Acting Bronchodilators - Respiratory Treatment

Long-acting bronchodilators are medications that help open the airways in the lungs by relaxing the surrounding muscles, providing prolonged relief from respiratory conditions.

Long-Acting Bronchodilators FAQ

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What is a long acting bronchodilator inhaler?

Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers (LABAs) relax the muscles around your airways to help keep your airways open. They’re called long acting because the effect lasts at least twelve hours. This is different to the short-acting bronchodilator in your reliever inhaler, which lasts only four hours.

Are bronchodilators good for asthma?

Almost all people with asthma use a bronchodilator to help open their airways. Short-acting bronchodilators are used as a "quick relief" or "rescue inhalers", while long-acting bronchodilators can be used every day to control asthma -- along with an inhaled steroid. What Are the Types of Bronchodilators for Asthma?

How long does a bronchodilator last?

This is different to the short-acting bronchodilator in your reliever inhaler, which lasts only four hours. Examples of LABA inhalers include Serevent (salmeterol), Foradil (formoterol), and Striverdi (olodaterol). Theophylline is another kind of long-acting bronchodilator medicine which comes as a tablet. You can read more about theophylline here.

What is a short-acting bronchodilator?

Both beta 2-agonists and anticholinergic bronchodilators come in a short-acting and long-acting form. Doctors often call short-acting bronchodilators “rescue inhalers” or “fast-acting inhalers” as they treat symptoms that come on suddenly, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

What bronchodilators are used in COPD treatment?

In the treatment of COPD, the medicines inside inhalers can be grouped into short-acting bronchodilators, long-acting bronchodilators and steroids. There are also combination inhalers containing two types of medicine. An inhaler with a bronchodilator medicine is often prescribed.