Bronchodilators are used as a short acting treatment for asthma attacks and come in three different types, the beta- agonists, the anticholinegics, and the theophylline. Bronchodilators come in inhalers, tablets, liquid and injectable forms of treatment. The action of this type of medication typically lasts for a duration of two to four hours and are made from ingredients that is fast acting in opening the bronchial tubes.

These bronchodilators are able to quickly open the airways during an asthma attack providing relief and are not made as a form of treatment maintenance, but rather an emergency treatment. When use is needed of the bronchodilator the medication will begin working in minutes rather than the lengthier time it would take for other asthma medications to take effect.

The bronchodilator inhaler is often used by asthmatics as a measure against an asthma attack as long as thirty minutes prior to exercising. This helps open the airways to prevent exercised induced asthma and allows exercise to continue without the threat of closing airways as the body heats up.