Passages throughout the respiratory system for inhaling and
exhaling air into and out of the lung: the nose, windpipe
(trachea) and bronchial tubes. Airways are lined with mucus that
traps irritating particles (like dust and smoke) and tiny hairs
that sweep up these particles and keep them from being inhaled
deeper into the lungs. People with asthma have highly sensitive
airways. Generic name for a class of medicines that are commonly
used short-acting bronchodilators for quick relief of symptoms
(like wheezing and shortness of breath). They are typically
administered by an aerosol metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a
spacer. Also available in pill or liquid form (an oral
preparation as syrup) or as a liquid for a nebulizer that mixes
it into a mist for inhalation. Common brand names are PROVENTIL,
VENTOLIN and XOPEREX (levalbuterol). Used on an as-needed basis
and not as a preventive or controller medicine. Any substance
that can cause an allergic reaction; typical examples are
pollen, dust and pet dander. A ph