Physiological Effects of Ventolin

Physiological Effects of Ventolin

Ventolin is a brand name of the drug albuterol sulfate HFA, and its generic name is adrenergic bronchodilator. It is mostly taken as an inhalator, but can also be taken as tablets or syrup. It treats the symptoms of bronchospasms.

Bronchospasm is an abnormal contraction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi, narrowing and obstructing the respiratory airway, resulting in coughs, wheezing or difficulty in breathing. The chief cause of this condition is asthma, although it may also be caused by respiratory infection, chronic lung disease or an allergic reaction to chemicals. The mucosa lining of the trachea may become irritated and inflamed, which secretes mucus, causing it to be caught in the bronchi and triggers coughing.

On the handouts, there are three different pictures of the inside of the trachea, showing the difference between a normal healthy trachea, and inflamed one and another with a mucus plug from the left main bronchus. These pictures were taken from the internet, with the address on the handout.

A Ventolin inhalator is breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes of the lungs. It relaxes the smooth muscles of all the airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. Ventolin also clears the mucus in the bronchi, making it easier for patients to breathe and reduces coughing.

For Ventolin to work optimally, situations that may trigger an asthma attack must be avoided. These situations include exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur or pollens. Relating to the case study, a few of these may apply to the patient, such as exercising in the cold morning air and perhaps breathing in dust and allergens such as pollens or maybe from the eucalyptus in the Blue Mountains might have had an effect on his condition.

There are two forms of bronchodilators, a short acting and a long acting form. Short acting relieves or stops asthma symptoms and is very helpful during an attack. They are also called ‘rescue’ medications because they are best for treating sudden or severe asthma symptoms. Long acting bronchodilators are used to control asthma, they take longer to work but they also last longer, up to 12 hours, whereas a short acting would only last for about 4-5 hours. Ventolin is a short acting form, it is the recommended medication to use 15-20 mins before exercising.