VENTOLIN(Albuterol) is a bronchodilator used in treating asthma and other conditions with reversible airway obstruction. Asthma is a breathing problem involving widespread narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes). Airways are breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways, or swelling of the lining of the airways. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Albuterol dilates bronchial airways by relaxing the surrounding bronchial muscles. Albuterol can also be helpful in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are partially related to reversible airway obstruction.
