A bronchodilator is a medicine that helps open narrowed airways. In first aid, the term often comes up with asthma reliever medicines that make breathing easier during flare-ups.
What is a bronchodilator?
A bronchodilator is a type of medicine that relaxes the muscles around the airways. This helps the airways open wider so air can move more easily in and out of the lungs.
Bronchodilators are commonly used in asthma care and other breathing conditions.
How does a bronchodilator help?
A bronchodilator can help:
- reduce wheezing
- ease chest tightness
- improve shortness of breath
- make it easier to breathe during flare-ups
Some bronchodilators act quickly. Others are used over longer periods as part of ongoing treatment.
Is salbutamol a bronchodilator?
Yes. Salbutamol is one of the most common short-acting bronchodilators used in asthma reliever puffers.
That means salbutamol is a specific medicine, while bronchodilator is the broader class name.
Is a bronchodilator the same as an inhaler?
No. A bronchodilator is the medicine. An Asthma Inhaler is the device that delivers the medicine.
Some inhalers can also be used with a Spacer to help more medicine reach the lungs.
How does this matter in first aid?
In first aid, short-acting bronchodilator medicines are often used when someone has worsening asthma symptoms or may be having an Asthma Attack.
Help the person use their own reliever inhaler, follow their asthma action plan if available, and watch closely for improvement or worsening.
When should you call 000?
Call 000 in Australia if:
- breathing is getting harder
- the person cannot speak properly
- the reliever medicine is not helping enough
- the person looks exhausted, floppy, or confused
- lips are turning blue
- the person becomes Unresponsive
If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR.
Quick answer
A bronchodilator is a medicine that opens narrowed airways. In first aid, it usually refers to reliever medicines such as salbutamol that help someone breathe more easily during worsening asthma symptoms or an asthma attack.
Sources reviewed
- National Asthma Council Australia: asthma management
- National Asthma Council Australia: first aid for asthma
Reviewed against current Australian asthma, first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace a person’s written asthma action plan, emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.
