Bronchoconstriction
As bronchoconstriction (syn. Bronchoconstriction , bronchial constriction and bronchial obstruction ) refers to a narrowing ( constriction ) of the airways within the lungs ( bronchi ). The term refers to the associated functional increase in airway resistance ( obstructive pulmonary dysfunction ), which leads to a decrease and lengthening of exhalation and thus to shortness of breath ( dyspnea ). A spasmodic narrowing of the bronchi is also known as bronchospasm .
The cause is usually an inflammation of the bronchi, which is associated with a contraction of the smooth bronchial muscles , swelling of the mucous membranes ( edema ) and mucus formation. Triggers are allergies , medication, cold air and / or exertion (symptoms of bronchial asthma ) or exposure to harmful substances. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease shows a long-term, often largely irreversible narrowing of the bronchi .
To treat the obstruction, bronchospasmolytics are used, which can lead to a relaxation of the smooth muscles and an expansion of the bronchi, the bronchodilation .
literature
- JP Parsons, JG Mastronarde: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes. In: Chest. 2005 Dec; 128 (6), pp. 3966-7394. Review. PMID 16354868
- PM O'Byrne: Leukotriene bronchoconstriction induced by allergen and exercise. In: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000 Feb; 161 (2 Pt 2), pp. S68-S72. Review. PMID 10673230
