Question

now, describe how each drug works in terms the patient will understand. drag each drug classification to the description of how it works in layman’s terms.
laymans description
blocks the production of a specific chemical that causes the airway to constrict
blocks the specific part of the nervous system that wants to cause the airways to constrict
prevents a cell that contains powerful chemicals from rupturing, preventing a chemical spill that leads to airway spasms
makes the lungs and their airways less sensitive to inflammation and swelling that would close them off
relaxes the smooth muscle around the airways and allows them to open up, making it less difficult to breathe
drug class
anticholinergics
mast cell stabilizers
sympathomimetics
leukotriene inhibitors
corticosteroids

Explanation:

1. Leukotriene Inhibitors: Leukotrienes are chemicals that cause airway constriction. These drugs block their production, matching "Blocks the production of a specific chemical that causes the airway to constrict".
2. Anticholinergics: Anticholinergics act on the nervous system (cholinergic part) to prevent airway constriction, so they "Block the specific part of the nervous system that wants to cause the airways to constrict".
3. Mast Cell Stabilizers: Mast cells contain chemicals (like histamine) that cause spasms when they rupture. These drugs prevent mast cell rupture, so "Prevents a cell that contains powerful chemicals from rupturing, preventing a chemical spill that leads to airway spasms".
4. Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation and swelling in airways, so "Makes the lungs and their airways less sensitive to inflammation and swelling that would close them off".
5. Sympathomimetics: These mimic sympathetic nervous system effects, relaxing airway smooth muscle to open airways, so "Relaxes the smooth muscle around the airways and allows them to open up, making it less difficult to breathe".

Answer:

• Blocks the production of a specific chemical that causes the airway to constrict: Leukotriene Inhibitors
• Blocks the specific part of the nervous system that wants to cause the airways to constrict: Anticholinergics
• Prevents a cell that contains powerful chemicals from rupturing, preventing a chemical spill that leads to airway spasms: Mast Cell Stabilizers
• Makes the lungs and their airways less sensitive to inflammation and swelling that would close them off: Corticosteroids
• Relaxes the smooth muscle around the airways and allows them to open up, making it less difficult to breathe: Sympathomimetics