Which sign is most consistent with improvement after bronchodilator therapy in asthma?

Which sign is most consistent with improvement after bronchodilator therapy in asthma?

• A. Decreased wheezing
• B. Worsening cough
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

Bronchodilators relieve bronchospasm by relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways, which widens the bronchi and lowers airway resistance. As airflow improves, the turbulent airways noise decreases, so decreased wheezing is the best sign that the patient is responding to therapy. You may also see easier breathing and better oxygenation, reflecting improved ventilation. Worsening cough can persist or change for other reasons, fever indicates infection, and hypotension is not a typical effect of bronchodilator improvement in asthma.

Bronchodilators relieve bronchospasm by relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways, which widens the bronchi and lowers airway resistance. As airflow improves, the turbulent airways noise decreases, so decreased wheezing is the best sign that the patient is responding to therapy. You may also see easier breathing and better oxygenation, reflecting improved ventilation. Worsening cough can persist or change for other reasons, fever indicates infection, and hypotension is not a typical effect of bronchodilator improvement in asthma.