Understanding and Managing Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, causing difficulty in breathing.
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Asthma | COPD | Respiratory Health | Bronchial Spasm | Breathing Difficulty | Asthma Attack | COPD Symptoms
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Bronchospasm FAQ

What causes bronchospasms?

Bronchospasms can have a number of different causes, but some of the most common are asthma, allergies, and environmental irritants. Bronchospasms make your chest feel tight and are usually accompanied by coughing. If your airways constrict too much, you will be unable to breathe in deep enough.

What is a bronchial spasm?

Normally, the muscles surrounding your bronchial tubes are thin and smooth, and they allow air to flow easily. If you have a respiratory problem, such as asthma, these muscles can contract and narrow your airway. When that happens, it’s called a bronchial spasm, or a bronchospasm. In many cases, bronchial spasms are treatable or preventable.

How does bronchospasm affect the lungs?

Bronchospasm is a tightening of the muscles that line the airways (bronchi) in your lungs. When these muscles tighten, your airways narrow. This can prevent air from entering or leaving your lungs. Narrowed airways don’t let as much air come in or go out of your lungs.

Is bronchospasm a symptom of asthma?

Bronchospasm is a symptom of asthma and other medical conditions. People with asthma can get bronchospasm, but not everyone with bronchospasm gets asthma. Both conditions are the result of irritated or inflamed airways. What are the symptoms of bronchospasm? Bronchospasm symptoms can be frightening and may come on suddenly.

What does bronchospasm mean?

Bronchospasm is the narrowing of bronchioles by the contraction of smooth muscle in their walls in response to a given stimulus. Suitable stimuli include asthma, upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis. Symptoms and signs of bronchospasm include:

What are the symptoms of bronchospasm?

Potential symptoms of bronchospasm include coughing, breathing difficulty, and pain in the chest. The signs of bronchospasm are fairly apparent while the severity of symptoms is directly related to how much the airways have narrowed, or how much airflow has been restricted. A doctor will need to diagnose and prescribe treatment for bronchospasms.

What causes bronchospasm?

Certain health conditions, such as asthma, and environmental triggers, like chemicals or cold air, can trigger it. Bronchospasm is a tightening of the muscles that line the airways (bronchi) in your lungs. When these muscles tighten, your airways narrow. This can prevent air from entering or leaving your lungs.

Bronchospasm References

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