What is the primary mechanism of action of bronchodilators like Atrovent?

The primary mechanism of action of bronchodilators such as Atrovent involves the relaxation of airway muscles. Atrovent, which is a brand name for ipratropium bromide, works by inhibiting bronchoconstriction through its effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. It achieves this by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways. This leads to the relaxation of the bronchial muscle, resulting in the dilation of the airways and improved airflow to the lungs.

Although some bronchodilators may have additional actions like reducing airway swelling or addressing inflammation, their main function is to relax the smooth muscle surrounding the airways to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as asthma or COPD. This makes the action of relaxing airway muscles the most critical for improving breathing and managing respiratory distress.