ProAir RespiClick contains the active ingredient albuterol sulfate. It is a prescription inhaled medication used to treat or prevent bronchospasm, which happens when the muscles around the airways tighten and make it harder to breathe.
Bronchospasm
Bronchospasm causes the airways to become narrower. This limits airflow into and out of the lungs and can lead to symptoms such as:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
ProAir RespiClick helps relax the muscles around the airways so they can open more fully. This allows air to move more easily and can provide quick relief from breathing symptoms.
It may be prescribed for people with reversible obstructive airway conditions, including asthma and certain cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthma
In people with asthma, the airways can become inflamed and overly sensitive. Exposure to certain triggers may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten suddenly.
Common asthma triggers may include:
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Smoke
- Dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Respiratory infections
ProAir RespiClick may be used when sudden asthma symptoms occur. Because it works quickly, it is commonly referred to as a rescue inhaler or quick-relief inhaler.
It can help relieve symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
COPD
ProAir RespiClick may also be used in some people with COPD when reversible bronchospasm is present.
COPD is a group of long-term lung conditions that can limit airflow. These conditions may cause symptoms such as ongoing cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
When bronchospasm contributes to these symptoms, albuterol can help temporarily open the airways and improve airflow.
How ProAir RespiClick Works
ProAir RespiClick belongs to a class of medications called short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs).
Albuterol works by stimulating beta2 receptors located mainly in the smooth muscles surrounding the airways. Activating these receptors causes the muscles to relax.
As the airway muscles relax:
- The airways become wider.
- Airflow to the lungs improves.
- Breathing becomes easier.
- Wheezing and chest tightness may decrease.
- Shortness of breath may improve.
Because albuterol works relatively quickly and has a shorter duration of action than long-acting bronchodilators, it is mainly used for rapid symptom relief.
Quick-Relief Treatment
ProAir RespiClick is designed to provide fast relief when bronchospasm occurs. It can be especially helpful during sudden episodes of wheezing or shortness of breath.
However, it does not treat the underlying airway inflammation associated with asthma. People who need ProAir RespiClick frequently may require additional long-term asthma treatment.
A healthcare provider may prescribe controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, to reduce airway inflammation and help prevent future asthma symptoms.
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
Albuterol inhalers may also be used to help prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, which occurs when physical activity causes the airways to narrow.
Symptoms may include:
- Coughing during or after exercise
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced exercise tolerance
When prescribed for this purpose, ProAir RespiClick is usually taken shortly before exercise as directed by a healthcare provider.
Role in Asthma Management
ProAir RespiClick provides rapid relief from bronchospasm but is not intended to replace daily controller medications when those treatments are needed.
Using a rescue inhaler more often than usual can be a sign that asthma or another breathing condition is not well controlled. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they need ProAir RespiClick more frequently than prescribed or if the inhaler does not provide the expected relief.
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