Which class of medications is commonly used to treat both asthma and COPD?

Bronchodilators are a class of medications specifically designed to relax and widen the airways in the lungs, making it easier for individuals to breathe. They work by targeting the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes, providing relief from symptoms associated with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

In asthma, bronchodilators help relieve asthma attacks or prevent symptoms triggered by allergens or exercise. In COPD, they help improve airflow and reduce breathlessness by relaxing constricted airway muscles. These medications can be divided into short-acting and long-acting formulations, with each serving a critical role in managing both conditions.

The other classes of medications do not directly address the underlying airway constriction associated with asthma and COPD. Antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial infections, antihistamines are primarily used to manage allergic reactions and symptoms, and decongestants are designed to relieve nasal congestion but do not have direct effects on improving airflow in bronchial passages.