Anticholinergics are acetylcholine activity impeding medications. Acetylcholine is a chemical courier that transmits messages that affect the function of the body between certain cells. These drugs constrain cholinergic-arbitrated bronchomotor tendency, resulting in bronchodilation by rivaling acetylcholine for postganglionic muscarinic sensory organs. Anticholinergics also prevents the binding of acetylcholine to its receptors on some cells and thereby reduces parasympathetic nerve compulsions(Mosenifar, 2019). These nerve impulses cause unconscious muscle activities in the abdominal tract, lung, and urinary tract, which help control salivation, ingestion, mucus excretion and urination. Blockage of acetylcholine signals reduces spontaneous movement of muscles, digestion and mucus discharges, which can lead to side effects such as urinary retention and dry mouth.

Healthcare professionals use anticholinergics for their bronchodilatory effects in the management of COPD. These compounds are muscarinic receptor antagonists, and blocking these receptors in the soft muscle of the airway obstructs the production of acetylcholine, reducing recurring guanosine monophosphate to bronchodilate(Mosenifar, 2019). Empirical evidence shows that the effect of anticholinergic therapy on lung function varies from unaffected to modest; these are changes that are superior to the efficacy of beta-2-agonists. In a 3-month study comparing anticholinergics with beta-2 agonists, it was found that anticholinergic use decreased COPD exacerbation by 33% and respiratory mortality by 73%(Brown, 2007). Anticholinergics are also effective in COPD diagnosis since they have improved outcomes in the short or long term process compared to other drugs.

In short, because of their efficacy in blocking muscarinic receptors in the smooth airway muscle, anticholinergics are the bronchodilators of choice for COPD management. This class of drugs is the only reversible component of COPD since it antagonizes all subtypes of muscarinic organs in the soft tissues of the airway. Therefore, the antagonistic relationship between anticholinergics and muscarinic sensory organs that hinder acetylcholine activity has ensured the efficacy of these drugs in the management of COPD.

References

Brown, D. (2007). Anticholinergic Use in the Treatment of COPD. Uspharmacist.com. Retrieved 18 May 2020, from https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/anticholinergic-use-in-the-treatment-of-copd.

Mosenifar, Z. (2019). How do anticholinergic drugs work to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and what are the potential adverse effects?. Medscape.com. Retrieved 18 May 2020, from https://www.medscape.com/answers/297664-7402/how-do-anticholinergic-drugs-work-to-treat-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-and-what-are-the-potential-adverse-effects.