Bronchodilatation

/ˌbrɒŋkoʊˌdaɪləˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The widening or expansion of the airways in the lungs, allowing more air to flow and making breathing easier.

Etymology

From broncho- (airways) plus dilatation (from Latin dilatare meaning 'to spread out' or 'to expand'). The term describes the therapeutic expansion of constricted airways.

Kelly Says

Bronchodilators are among the most important medications in respiratory medicine—they saved millions of lives once inhaler technology was perfected, and the discovery that certain compounds could selectively relax airway muscles was revolutionary for asthma treatment.

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