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Bronchodilators
When someone has an sudden allergic reaction
to a bee sting, a food such as shellfish,
or even something as common as dust, the
body overreacts and the person experiences
extreme difficulty breathing. If not reversed
quickly, this reaction, called anaphylaxis,
can kill. Lesser reactions, but ones that
are still dangerous, include asthma attacks
and poisoning.
Bronchodilators are used to immediately treat
these conditions. By opening the closed breathing
passageways leading into the lungs (the bronchi),
bronchodilators restore the person's ability
to breathe, gaining valuable time until more
specific treatment can be given at a medical
facility.
All of the following bronchodilators
require
a doctor's prescription:
- Auto-Injectors - The most commonly known
bronchodilator is the epinephrine auto-injector.
The easy to administer EpiPen for adults
and EpiPenJr for children is widely prescribed.
There are disguise kits that hide these in
fake pagers or cellphones that are helpful
when prescribed for children.
- Inhalers - For people suffering breathing
problems related to asthma and similar chronic
disorders, a spray delivery system called
an inhaler is frequently prescribed. The
inhaler accepts a small inverted bottle of
the bronchodilator medication and delivers
a metered dose when placed up to the mouth
and squeezed.
- Nebulizers - A nebulizer uses a chemical
reaction to mix the bronchodilator with moisture
in the air and carry the medication into
the lungs when you breathe in. The nebulizer
looks similar to a peace pipe, and can be
used in conjuction with an oxygen mask in
cases of extreme difficulty breathing.
- Pills- For extended release of bronchodilator
medication, pills can be taken on a prescribed
basis. This style of delivery is effective
for longterm reduction of low level anaphylactic
symptoms but are usually not sufficient to
counteract the effects of a bee sting.
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