What do bronchodilators primarily do?

Bronchodilators primarily work by relaxing the smooth muscle of the bronchi, which leads to the widening of the airways. This relaxation decreases resistance in the respiratory airway and facilitates better airflow, making it easier for individuals to breathe, especially those with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effect of bronchodilators is crucial in managing symptoms of respiratory conditions by alleviating bronchoconstriction, thereby improving oxygen delivery and overall respiratory function.

In contrast, constricting the airways would hinder airflow, making it harder to breathe, which is contrary to the therapeutic goal of bronchodilators. Increasing mucus production in the lungs does not align with the primary function of bronchodilators; rather, excessive mucus can obstruct the airways, which is usually undesirable in respiratory treatments. Promoting inflammation of the airways also contradicts the purpose of bronchodilators, as inflammation typically leads to further narrowing of the airways, exacerbating breathing difficulties. Thus, relaxing the smooth muscle of the bronchi is the fundamental action that characterizes bronchodilators and their use in clinical settings.