Tag: Bronchoconstriction

The parasympathetic nervous system plays a vital role in regulating airway tone, and its key neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is a potent bronchoconstrictor. This confirms that, yes, cholinergics cause bronchoconstriction by triggering a specific chain of events that leads to the contraction of airway smooth muscle.

The human body's parasympathetic nervous system controls numerous involuntary functions, from digestion to urination, primarily using acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. The central question for many is, do cholinergics constrict tissues, and what are the widespread implications of this action?

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can progress rapidly and be life-threatening [1.5.2, 1.5.5]. While the question 'Why does epinephrine cause bronchoconstriction?' is often raised, the reality is that its primary and life-saving function is the opposite: it is a potent **bronchodilator** [1.2.1, 1.3.7].