Final answer:
A medication that expands the bronchi and air passages for conditions like asthma is called a bronchodilator. These medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, offering immediate relief for symptoms like wheezing.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medication that expands the bronchi and other air passages is known as a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are typically used to treat conditions such as asthma, where they help to open the airways wider, making it easier for the patient to breathe.
These medications alleviate symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness by relaxing the muscles around the airways. They often provide relief almost immediately upon use.
In the context of asthma treatment, sympathomimetic drugs are a category of bronchodilators that are frequently used. These drugs mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, causing bronchodilation.
This action helps to increase air volume in the lungs by opening the bronchi.