- acetylcholine
- a neurotransmitter that contracts smooth muscles, dilates blood vessels, increases bodily secretions, and reduces heart rate
- adrenal insufficiency
- caused when the adrenal glands do not manufacture sufficient quantities of cortisol
- adrenergic
- refers to the activation or stimulation of the adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
- alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists
- a class of drugs that stimulate all adrenergic receptors
- anticholinergic drugs
- drugs that inhibit the action of acetylcholine
- asthma
- a respiratory disease that affects the lungs and causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing
- beta adrenergic
- activation or stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, which are found in various tissues throughout the body
- candidiasis
- fungal infection caused by a yeast called Candida
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems; includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- corticosteroids
- anti-inflammatory medications used for a wide range of conditions
- epinephrine
- a neurotransmitter and hormone, also known as adrenaline; also used as a medication
- histamine
- a chemical in the body that causes many symptoms of allergies such as runny nose or sneezing
- leukotriene modifiers
- medications that inhibit leukotriene-related enzymes and oppose inflammatory mediators
- leukotrienes
- a group of inflammatory mediators that are primarily responsible for bronchoconstriction
- mast cell stabilizers
- prevent mast cell degranulation and mediator release
- mast cells
- cells that play a role in the immune system and help control immune responses; contain chemicals such as histamine
- norepinephrine
- neurotransmitter and hormone as well as a medication that is used to increase and maintain blood pressure
- pulmonary fibrosis
- a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, making it difficult for lungs to work properly
- sympathomimetic
- producing physiological effects characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system by promoting the stimulation of sympathetic nerves
- xanthines
- class of compounds derived from purine that have stimulant properties and can relax airway smooth muscle