What is Bronchospasm?
Bronchospasm is a respiratory phenomenon that is described as the unusual narrowing or constriction of the airways. This condition is said to imitate asthma, or simply it is a presenting symptom of an asthma attack. A chronic lung disease is also associated with this condition.
This respiratory condition can be diagnosed upon observation. The clinical examination of the patient is through a gathered data of the presenting symptoms. When wheezing is noted and other signs of asthma are observed, it is suspected of bronchospasm. Chest x-ray may also assist in the diagnosis of the condition.
Bronchospasm can be classified into two:
Mild
The symptoms may resolve without additional medical intervention.
Severe
Symptoms may require medical emergency care. This should not be taken for granted.
Bronchospasm Symptoms
The following are the presenting symptoms of the disease process:
Wheezing
Once a person inhales air and has a difficult time of doing it because of the narrowed airways is supposed to be wheezing. This is more identifiable for the sound it emits is a squeaking or whistling sound during inhalation.
Chest pain
Chest pain is associated with bronchospasm because of air depletion. The chest discomfort may become more severe when the lungs expand during inhalation and can even exacerbate breathing difficulties.
Difficulty of breathing
This usually depends on the extent of the airway constriction. The sudden shortness of breath needs immediate care. Coughing is also accompanied by difficulty of breathing, making it more difficult for the patient to cope.
Bronchospasm Causes
The primary cause and common root of bronchospasm is asthma and bronchitis. There are also other causes such as respiratory infection, chronic lung disease, anaphylactic shock, or allergic reaction. The mechanism of the condition is said to be caused by the bronchial muscle becoming contracted and it’s narrowing in diameter. As the mucosa becomes swollen and inflamed, the bronchial diameter constricts making airway passages incapable of its purpose. As this happens, the person’s bronchial glands may produce excessive amounts of mucus that are so sticky which makes it difficult to cough it out and can be stuck up in the bronchi, resulting to constriction. More pressure is asserted in the airways that make it hard to push air through the passages. The oxygen requirement of the body is not attained making it more of an effort of the affected person to gasp for air.
Risk factors for this condition include:
Allergy
A foreign substance can induce for an allergic reaction. The agents can either be bacterial, viral or toxins. As a normal and natural defense mechanism of the body, the antibodies act on the foreign substance and can start for an inflammatory reaction.
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Exercise
A common cause of bronchospasm according to studies. There is what we call exercise-induced bronchospasm which will be discussed below.
Stress
Stress or emotional stress can trigger symptoms of respiratory distress.
Upper respiratory infections
Asthma is triggered by many factors. The presenting symptom of this condition includes bronchospasm.
Irritants
Irritants can induce respiratory symptoms and it includes bronchospasm. Cigarette smoke is one of those irritants as well as dust, sprays and strong odors.
Bronchospasm Treatment
Medications are prepared to treat bronchospasm. Here are the medications prescribed to patients who are prone to such condition:
- Beta2 –adrenergic agonists – this is a class of drugs that is indicated for treating asthma symptoms. The action of this class is to relax the airway smooth muscles that are typically similar to a bronchodilator effect or action. These can be in a form of inhalers. The available brand names include Proventil, Ventolin, Tornalate, Bronkometer and Alupent.
- Bronchodilators – its action is to dilate the air passages.
- Corticosteroids – acts against the inflammatory process.
- Natural remedies include breathing exercises. Pierced lip breathing can provide relief. If a person has an asthma attack and is in a lying position, he or she should be placed in a sitting position.
Acute Bronchospasm
Acute bronchospasm is a sudden airway constriction that is common in asthmatics. Coughing and wheezing are the common presenting symptoms of the respiratory problem. Sometimes, sticky mucus comes along with the bronchospasm.
Exercise Induced Bronchospasm
Exercise induced bronchospasm is referred as asthma that occurs only during exercise or after exercise. This has been reported among the general population of about 5 to 20%. As a person starts to exercise, the normal function of the pulmonary system is attained and is still in its normal phase. But as the exercise progresses to 5 to 10 minutes, symptoms of asthma may arise. The symptoms are wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness. The person affected my also feel extreme fatigue, and can worsen if not given medical attention immediately. The person affected should rest for a while as these symptoms persist.
This phenomenon is possible if the person affected is sensitive towards changes of temperature and humidity. During the time of exercise, the event is a result of exercise induced bronchospasm is hyperventilation. This can cause drying of the airway surface where they cause dehydration of the airway cells. As they become dehydrated, the need of hydration will take place so there is release of mediators that can damage the airway when they become are produced uncontrollably. These can cause for an inflammatory reaction which is indeed a cause of these presenting symptoms.
Paradoxical Bronchospasm
Paradoxical bronchospasm is said to be a potentially life threatening condition. This condition is triggered by albuterol. It is said to be an adverse effect of the drug. Even though albuterol is supposed to be a treatment for bronchospasm, it can provide an adverse effect to the patient. This condition should be monitored and treated immediately for it can be life endangering.
