What are "beta-agonists"?

What are "beta-agonists"?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How is asthma treated?; How important is it to identify my asthma triggers?; What side effects should I expect from my asthma medication? and more...

The bronchodilators that we use are in a chemical classification called "beta-agonists". "Beta-agonists" mean that these are medications that stimulate the beta receptors. The beta receptors are receptors that are found in many organs of the body. They are found in the lungs, and these receptors cause dilation or opening of the airways. That's why when we use a "beta-agonist" we're stimulating the beta receptor in the lung, specifically in the bronchi (which are the airways), to open up. Beta receptors are also found in the heart and in the blood vessels. So, as a result, very often one of the side effects of using a "beta-agonist" is that it stimulates the heart, in terms of increasing the strength and the frequency of the heartbeat, and in some cases can actually increase the blood pressure.