bronchospasm It is a clinical condition that is characterized by the contraction of the smooth muscle present in the bronchi. Its causes are varied, including conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, exposure to allergens and the use of certain medications. Symptoms may include wheezing when breathing, chest pain, coughing and shortness of breath.
Treatment will depend on each case, and it is essential to analyze the patient's clinical condition and the causes of bronchospasm. Among the drugs that can be used in these cases, we can mention bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
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Topics of this article
- 1 - Summary on bronchospasm
- 2 - What is bronchospasm?
- 3 - Symptoms of bronchospasm
- 4 - What can cause bronchospasm?
- 5 - How is bronchospasm treated?
Summary on bronchospasm
In bronchospasm, there is a reduction in the caliber of the bronchi and a consequent reduction in the amount of air that reaches the lungs.
Bronchospasm usually causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
Bronchospasm can have different causes, such as asthma, smoke inhalation, bronchitis and allergies.
The treatment of bronchospasm will depend on the condition presented by the patient, as well as the cause of this clinical condition.
Treatment may involve the use of medications such as bronchodilators.
What is bronchospasm?
Bronchospasm is a clinical condition characterized by sudden contraction of bronchial musculature associated with airflow obstruction. It is one of the characteristic clinical manifestations of diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Symptoms of Bronchospasm
Bronchospasm is characterized by the presence of wheezing on pulmonary auscultation. Wheezing is nothing more than a loud sound reminiscent of whistling and occurs when the patient breathes and air passes through the narrowed airways. Although such wheezing is one of the main symptoms, in case of severe bronchospasm wheezing may not be observed as there is no airflow through the narrowed airways.
The individual with bronchospasm may also present shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and even dizziness and weakness. In addition, in these individuals, it is observed that the expiratory time is prolonged and there is a drop in pulse oxygen saturation.
See too: Asthma or Allergic Bronchitis—Is There a Cure?
What can cause bronchospasm?
Bronchospasm is related to different causes, such as:
asthma;
bronchitis;
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
vigorous physical exertion (exercise-induced bronchospasm);
dust;
smoke;
passive or active smoking;
air pollution;
animal hair;
pollen;
use of certain medications;
heart diseases.
How is bronchospasm treated?
Bronchospasm is a condition that, in some cases it can be extremely serious and even fatal. According to the Bronchospasm Management Protocol of the Federal University of Tocantins and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, there are some pillars for the treatment of bronchospasm:
“maintain adequate arterial oxygen saturation through oxygen supplementation;
relieve airflow obstruction;
reduce airway inflammation;
prevent future relapses.”
Depending on the severity of the patient, intubation may be necessary orotracheal so that respiratory failure is controlled. With regard to medications, these will be chosen based on the clinical picture presented and the causes of bronchospasm. Among the drugs, bronchodilators may be recommendedadores, corticosteroids and antibiotics.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Bronchospasm"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/broncoespasmo.htm. Accessed on April 20, 2023.
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