Which type of drug is used to open the airways and facilitate easier breathing?

Bronchodilators are a specific class of medications designed to relax and expand the airways in the lungs, making it easier for individuals to breathe. These drugs work by targeting smooth muscle receptors in the bronchial passages, leading to bronchodilation, which alleviates symptoms associated with conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and do not have a direct effect on airway patency. Analgesics are pain-relieving medications and do not influence respiratory function. Antihistamines primarily target allergic reactions by blocking histamine, which can reduce symptoms like sneezing or itching, but they do not have the direct effect of relaxing bronchial muscles that bronchodilators provide. Therefore, the function of bronchodilators in promoting easier breathing makes them the correct choice for this question.