Which class of medication is used to promote bronchodilation and improve gas exchange?

Which class of medication is used to promote bronchodilation and improve gas exchange?

• A. Beta2 adrenergic agonists
• B. Antihistamines
• C. ACE inhibitors
• D. Statins

Answer: (A)

Promoting bronchodilation to improve gas exchange comes from stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle. When these receptors are activated, the Gs protein pathway is triggered, raising cAMP levels inside the muscle cells. This causes the smooth muscle to relax, widening the airways, reducing resistance, and making it easier for air to flow in and out. With bigger airways, ventilation improves and the match between air reaching the lungs and blood flow in the alveoli gets better, leading to improved oxygen uptake and CO2 removal. This class includes both quick-relief, short-acting options for sudden symptoms and longer-acting formulations for ongoing control, especially in asthma and COPD. Other choices don’t directly cause bronchodilation: antihistamines mainly counter allergic symptoms, ACE inhibitors can trigger a cough but aren’t bronchodilators, and statins affect cholesterol rather than airway tone.

Promoting bronchodilation to improve gas exchange comes from stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle. When these receptors are activated, the Gs protein pathway is triggered, raising cAMP levels inside the muscle cells. This causes the smooth muscle to relax, widening the airways, reducing resistance, and making it easier for air to flow in and out. With bigger airways, ventilation improves and the match between air reaching the lungs and blood flow in the alveoli gets better, leading to improved oxygen uptake and CO2 removal. This class includes both quick-relief, short-acting options for sudden symptoms and longer-acting formulations for ongoing control, especially in asthma and COPD. Other choices don’t directly cause bronchodilation: antihistamines mainly counter allergic symptoms, ACE inhibitors can trigger a cough but aren’t bronchodilators, and statins affect cholesterol rather than airway tone.