Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm is a narrowing of the bronchi caused by contraction of the muscles of the bronchi in response to various stimuli.

With bronchospasm, inhalation usually occurs freely, but exhalation requires significant muscle effort due to narrowing of the bronchi. When exhaling, a characteristic whistling sound occurs, which is especially audible during auscultation.

Bronchospasm often occurs with respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis. A condition where bronchospasm can be relieved with bronchodilators is called reversible airway obstruction. Such conditions include, for example, asthma.

If bronchodilators are ineffective, they speak of irreversible airway obstruction. An example is chronic bronchitis.

Bronchospasm: symptoms, causes and treatment

Bronchospasm is a narrowing of the bronchi caused by muscle contraction in response to various factors, such as asthma or bronchitis. This condition can cause the airway to become obstructed, making it difficult to breathe normally. Patients suffering from bronchospasm can often inhale air into the lungs freely, but exhaling requires considerable effort and may be accompanied by a loud breathing noise that is especially noticeable when using a stethoscope (a symptom known as stridor).

There are two types of airway obstruction associated with bronchospasm: reversible and irreversible. Reversible obstructive airways disease means that the symptoms of bronchospasm can be completely relieved by using bronchodilators. This condition is observed, for example, in asthma. Irreversible obstructive airways disease, on the other hand, means that bronchodilators do not provide adequate relief. Chronic bronchitis is one example of a condition of irreversible blockage of the airways.

The causes of bronchospasm can be varied. One of the main causes is asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Asthma is characterized by increased bronchial reactivity to various irritants, such as allergens, cold air, physical activity or respiratory tract infections. When exposed to an irritant, the muscles of the bronchi contract, causing narrowing of the airways and the appearance of symptoms of bronchospasm.

Other causes of bronchospasm include pneumonia, bronchial spasms due to allergic reactions, chemical exposure to the airways, and certain physical factors such as intense physical exertion or changes in temperature and humidity.

Treatment for bronchospasm is aimed at widening the airways and making breathing easier. It involves the use of bronchodilators, such as bronchodilator inhalers (such as beta-agonists and anticholinergics), which help relax contracted bronchial muscles and improve airway clearance. For reversible airway obstruction, this treatment is usually quite effective in controlling the symptoms of bronchospasm.

However, when airway obstruction is irreversible and bronchodilators do not provide adequate relief, treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. In such cases, combination treatment may be required, including the use of bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation, and other medications depending on the specific circumstances.

In addition to drug treatment, it is also important to avoid contact with known allergens or irritants that can cause bronchospasm. This may include avoiding smoking, installing ventilation filters, regularly damp cleaning the home to reduce dust and allergens, and following your doctor's recommendations regarding physical activity and the environment.

Bronchospasm is a serious condition that can significantly affect the patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help and receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Following your doctor's recommendations, taking regular medications, and monitoring your environment can help manage bronchospasm and ease the symptoms of this condition.

Bronchospasm is a condition when muscle contraction occurs in the bronchi, the tubes that form the main respiratory part of the lungs. With the development of bronchospasm, a strong narrowing of the airways is observed, which causes obstruction of the air flow and disruption of the function of the respiratory muscles. Bronchospastic syndrome, as a rule, is paroxysmal in nature and appears periodically, therefore it is characterized by increased excitability of the nervous system. Bronchospasms can be provoked by various factors, both in ordinary pulpitis and in tuberculosis, oncology, a general infectious process, and an allergic reaction.