The pharmacology of respiratory disorders related to anesthesia.

The pharmacology of disorders of the respiratory system focuses on one major parameter--bronchodilatation. Drugs are rated as effective purely on how well they reverse brochoconstriction. Patients' conditions are considered reversible if there is a 20% increase in flow rates after a bronchodilator is administered. This article evaluates many of the drugs used in the treatment of reactive airway diseases such as asthma. Particular emphasis is placed on the anesthetic drugs used during the perioperative period.