Bronchospasm: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Asthma_before-after-en.svg|Asthma before-after-en|thumb]] '''Bronchospasm''' is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the [[bronchioles]]. It is caused by the release of substances from [[mast cells]] or [[eosinophils]] under inflammatory conditions, which is often seen in [[asthma]] and [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD). Bronchospasm is characterized by tightness in the chest, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. It is a key feature of [[asthma]], but it can also occur in other conditions such as [[bronchitis]], [[anaphylaxis]], and during the use of certain medications. | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Bronchospasm | |||
| image = [[File:Image:Asthma_before-after-en.svg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram showing the difference between a normal airway and one experiencing bronchospasm | |||
| field = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Wheezing]], [[coughing]], [[shortness of breath]], [[chest tightness]] | |||
| complications = [[Respiratory failure]], [[asthma attack]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Asthma]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[allergic reactions]], [[exercise-induced bronchoconstriction]] | |||
| risks = [[Allergens]], [[air pollution]], [[cold air]], [[exercise]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Spirometry]], [[peak flow measurement]] | |||
| differential = [[Asthma]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[anaphylaxis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of triggers, use of [[bronchodilators]] | |||
| treatment = [[Bronchodilators]], [[corticosteroids]], [[oxygen therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Albuterol]], [[ipratropium]], [[prednisone]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in individuals with [[asthma]] or [[COPD]] | |||
}} | |||
[[Image:Asthma_before-after-en.svg|Asthma before-after-en|left|thumb]] '''Bronchospasm''' is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the [[bronchioles]]. It is caused by the release of substances from [[mast cells]] or [[eosinophils]] under inflammatory conditions, which is often seen in [[asthma]] and [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD). Bronchospasm is characterized by tightness in the chest, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. It is a key feature of [[asthma]], but it can also occur in other conditions such as [[bronchitis]], [[anaphylaxis]], and during the use of certain medications. | |||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Bronchospasm can be triggered by a variety of factors, including: | Bronchospasm can be triggered by a variety of factors, including: | ||
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* Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers) | * Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers) | ||
* Emotional stress | * Emotional stress | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The main symptoms of bronchospasm include: | The main symptoms of bronchospasm include: | ||
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* Chest tightness | * Chest tightness | ||
* Coughing | * Coughing | ||
These symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. | These symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of bronchospasm typically involves a medical history review and physical examination. Healthcare providers may also use tests such as: | Diagnosis of bronchospasm typically involves a medical history review and physical examination. Healthcare providers may also use tests such as: | ||
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* [[Chest X-ray]] to rule out other conditions | * [[Chest X-ray]] to rule out other conditions | ||
* [[Allergy testing]] to identify potential triggers | * [[Allergy testing]] to identify potential triggers | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for bronchospasm focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. This may include: | Treatment for bronchospasm focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. This may include: | ||
| Line 34: | Line 49: | ||
* Allergy medications or immunotherapy for individuals with allergic asthma | * Allergy medications or immunotherapy for individuals with allergic asthma | ||
* Education on proper inhaler technique and asthma management plans | * Education on proper inhaler technique and asthma management plans | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures for bronchospasm include: | Preventive measures for bronchospasm include: | ||
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* Monitoring lung function with a peak flow meter | * Monitoring lung function with a peak flow meter | ||
* Following an asthma action plan as recommended by a healthcare provider | * Following an asthma action plan as recommended by a healthcare provider | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Asthma]] | * [[Asthma]] | ||
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* [[Anaphylaxis]] | * [[Anaphylaxis]] | ||
* [[Inhaler]] | * [[Inhaler]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Asthma]] | [[Category:Asthma]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Revision as of 19:53, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Bronchospasm | |
|---|---|
| File:Image:Asthma before-after-en.svg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, asthma attack |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic reactions, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction |
| Risks | Allergens, air pollution, cold air, exercise |
| Diagnosis | Spirometry, peak flow measurement |
| Differential diagnosis | Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anaphylaxis |
| Prevention | Avoidance of triggers, use of bronchodilators |
| Treatment | Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy |
| Medication | Albuterol, ipratropium, prednisone |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in individuals with asthma or COPD |
| Deaths | N/A |
Bronchospasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles. It is caused by the release of substances from mast cells or eosinophils under inflammatory conditions, which is often seen in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bronchospasm is characterized by tightness in the chest, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. It is a key feature of asthma, but it can also occur in other conditions such as bronchitis, anaphylaxis, and during the use of certain medications.
Causes
Bronchospasm can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Chemical irritants
- Respiratory infections
- Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers)
- Emotional stress
Symptoms
The main symptoms of bronchospasm include:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
These symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of bronchospasm typically involves a medical history review and physical examination. Healthcare providers may also use tests such as:
- Spirometry to measure lung function
- Peak flow meter readings to assess the severity of bronchospasm
- Chest X-ray to rule out other conditions
- Allergy testing to identify potential triggers
Treatment
Treatment for bronchospasm focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. This may include:
- Short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) for immediate relief
- Long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control
- Avoidance of known triggers
- Allergy medications or immunotherapy for individuals with allergic asthma
- Education on proper inhaler technique and asthma management plans
Prevention
Preventive measures for bronchospasm include:
- Avoiding exposure to known triggers
- Regular use of prescribed medications
- Monitoring lung function with a peak flow meter
- Following an asthma action plan as recommended by a healthcare provider
See Also
