Final answer:
Albuterol and other beta 2 agonists can cause several side effects, such as airway and skin irritation, cough, wheezing, bronchospasm, agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues. Severe side effects include increased heart rate, hypertension, and potential heart attacks. Long-term use may lead to decreased lung function and exacerbated respiratory symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Albuterol and other beta 2 agonists are medications commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma. These drugs function by activating the beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which lead to smooth muscle relaxation, particularly in the bronchi, thereby easing breathing in patients with obstructive airway conditions.
While these medications are effective, they can have side effects. Common side effects include airway irritation, eye and skin irritation, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), cough, sore throat, chest tightness, wheezing, and in some cases, even bronchospasm, which is a paradoxical constriction of the airways that can worsen breathing problems.
Systemic side effects can also occur, such as agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and muscular problems. Some severe side effects, though rarer, include increased heart rate, hypertension, and an increased probability of heart attacks. Gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and fluctuations in weight can also arise.
Prolonged use of beta-2 agonists may lead to a decrease in lung function and exacerbate respiratory symptoms. This can lead to more frequent use of medication, increased hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and in severe cases, premature mortality. During an asthma attack, symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are prevalent, and fast-acting medications like albuterol are often required to alleviate these symptoms.