What does a bronchodilator do?

A bronchodilator is a type of medication that primarily functions to relax and widen the airways in the lungs. This allows for better airflow, making it easier for individuals who are experiencing respiratory distress to breathe. Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require the use of bronchodilators to alleviate symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

When a person is in respiratory distress, their airways may constrict, leading to difficulty in breathing. By acting on the smooth muscles of the airways, bronchodilators effectively expand these passages, thereby improving oxygen delivery to the lungs and facilitating easier breathing. This is crucial in emergency situations or as a part of ongoing management for chronic respiratory conditions.

The other options provided relate to different bodily functions and systems that are not influenced by bronchodilators. For instance, options related to bowel movements or allergic reactions pertain to gastrointestinal and immunological responses, respectively, and do not connect with the action of bronchodilators.