Bronchodilators are a class of drugs that are used to treat constriction or narrowing of the airways in respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They work by relaxing and dilating (widening) the bronchial tubes and air passages in the lungs allowing for easier breathing. There are primarily two major classes of it- short-acting and long-acting.

Short-Acting Bronchodilators

They provide fast relief from bronchoconstriction but have a relatively short duration of action usually less than 6 hours.Examples of short-acting include albuterol, levalbuterol and metaproterenol. They are used on an as needed basis for symptomatic relief from acute shortness of breath caused by bronchoconstriction. These are available both as inhalers and nebulizers depending on the severity of symptoms. They work within 5-15 minutes and relief lasts up to 4-6 hours.

Long-Acting Bronchodilators

They provide Bronchodilators for a prolonged period, usually over 12 hours,with a single dose. This makes them more convenient for maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. Common long-acting include salmeterol, formoterol, arformoterol, indacaterol and olodaterol. They are usually used as regular controller medication along with inhaled corticosteroids. Due to their long duration of action they are commonly prescribed for long term management of respiratory symptoms.

Drug Class

Based on drug class, the global market can be divided into:

- Short-acting Bronchodilators: This segment currently holds the largest share of the market and includes drugs like albuterol and levabuterol. Ease of use and fast relief provided makes them the preferred choice for acute exacerbations.

- Long-acting Bronchodilators: This segment is expected to grow at a higher rate during the forecast period. Drugs like salmeterol, formoterol and tiotropium provide sustained bronchodilation throughout the day using just one inhalation.

- Combination Drugs: Fixed dose combinations of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists in single inhalers have also gained popularity. Examples include fluticasone-salmeterol and budesonide-formoterol combinations.

Route of Administration

- Inhalers: Both pressurized metered dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers collectively account for the majority of market share as inhalation is the preferred route for treating lung diseases.

- Nebulizers: Nebulizers deliver solutions or suspensions to the lungs for those unable to coordinate inhaler use or during severe exacerbations. The nebulizer segment is growing at a steady pace.

On the basis of region, North America currently dominates the global market owing to high diagnosis and treatment rates of asthma and COPD. Growing geriatric population suffering from respiratory diseases also contributes to its large share. However, Asia Pacific region is estimated to show fastest growth during the forecast period due to improving healthcare infrastructure, smoking epidemic and expanding patient population in countries like China and India. Europe follows North America in terms of market size due major respiratory drug manufacturers present in the region and rising prevalence of respiratory disorders.

Bronchodilators has immense potential driven by the growing respiratory disease burden worldwide. Coming years will likely see the advent of novel bronchodilator combinations and delivery mechanisms providing better relief from acute and chronic lung disorders. Emerging Asian and Latin American countries are primed to significantly contribute to the future growth of this market.

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