What is one clinical use of theophylline?

Theophylline is a medication that acts as a bronchodilator, primarily used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Its primary mechanism of action involves relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to improved airflow and reducing respiratory difficulties.

In the context of COPD, theophylline can be particularly beneficial as it helps to enhance respiratory muscle endurance and can improve overall pulmonary function. This is especially important for patients with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, where airflow obstruction is a key issue. By improving muscle strength, theophylline can aid patients in achieving better respiratory mechanics, thus facilitating easier breathing.

Other options relate to different therapeutic uses or conditions not aligned with theophylline's primary indications. For example, while theophylline can help manage asthma, it is not the first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks, which are typically managed with quicker-acting bronchodilators. Similarly, theophylline does not directly reduce allergic reactions or impact blood viscosity. Instead, its role is more focused on providing sustained bronchodilation and improving muscle strength in chronic respiratory conditions like COPD.