Bronchoconstriction: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

A disorder known as bronchoconstriction causes the smooth muscles in the bronchus to tighten. The airway that links your lungs to the outside environment is called the bronchus. The bronchus narrows as a result of this muscle spasm, limiting the quantity of air that can enter and leave your lungs.

Patients with lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and others typically have bronchoconstriction. However, bronchoconstriction can also occur in healthy individuals during intense activity.

Causes of Bronchoconstriction

The precise cause of bronchoconstriction is uncertain. However, there are a few recognised causes of bronchoconstriction and asthma. These catalysts might include:

• Irritants
• Pollutants in the air, such as chemicals
• Dry air, cold air
• Smoke
• Respiratory conditions
• Lung disease
• Strain
• Excessive or severe exercise is another common cause of bronchoconstriction. When this condition strikes someone who already has asthma, it's referred to as exercise-induced asthma.

On rare occasions, nevertheless, healthy people without any lung issues may also experience it. In this case, bronchoconstriction only happens during vigorous exercise. The situation gets better when the exercise is stopped. This is known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).

EIB triggers may also include the broad bronchoconstriction-related causes listed above. However, the primary cause of EIB is endurance activity. This type of workout involves prolonged periods of deep breathing. A few of them are:

• Long-distance cycling on cross-country skis
• Long-distance swimming
• Long-distance running

Exercisers who participate in activities outside in cold weather are particularly susceptible to EIB. For example, it has been demonstrated that more than 50% of Olympic cross-country skiers have EIB. Although it hasn't been confirmed, breathing in large volumes of cold air and then rewarming may cause a change in airway temperature. Dehydration from dry air can also cause inflammatory cells to be released, which can lead to swelling.

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Symptoms Of Bronchoconstriction

A few signs of bronchoconstriction are as follows:

• Coughing up
• Feeling extremely exhausted during activity
• Wheezing, tightness in the chest, or discomfort in the chest (mostly EIB)
• Lower than anticipated physical performance (EIB)
• Avoiding specific physical activities (particularly those aimed at young children)

Treatment Of Bronchoconstriction

Your treatment strategy may be influenced by the specific triggers you experience, the degree of your bronchoconstriction, and any other medical conditions you may have. Any of the following therapies may be recommended by your physician for you.

It can be necessary to take some drugs every day to manage chronic symptoms. Occasionally, you might need them immediately before exercising or coming into contact with a trigger. These medications may include:

• Leukotriene modifiers
• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Short-acting beta-agonists (Albuterol, ProAir HFA) taken orally to reduce certain forms of inflammation

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Prevention Of Bronchoconstriction

To help manage your sickness, you can also change the way you live. These changes in way of life could include:

• Avoid triggering factors
• In cold weather, wrap up with a scarf or mask before starting any workout. Changing to a sport like baseball, football, wrestling, or sprinting that doesn't require deep breathing or endurance
• Avoiding intense physical activity while afflicted with a respiratory infection
• Consuming meals that are low in salt, rich in vitamin C, and include fatty fish for omega-3s.

Bronchoconstriction might become fatal if treatment is not received. You must follow to your doctor's treatment and management recommendations because of this.

Airway remodelling may also result from bronchoconstriction. When you have a disorder like bronchoconstriction, your airways change shape, become thicker, or produce more mucus. This is known as airway remodelling. The causes of airway remodelling remain unclear and are continuously being investigated. 

These alterations may result from the mechanical force of your bronchi contracting, harming tissue cells when you experience bronchoconstriction episodes frequently or from other lung disorders.

Additional problems related to EIB could be the following:

• Not having pleasure with favourite activities because of subpar performance
• Skipping exercise and sacrificing its health benefits

The following are a few ailments linked to bronchoconstriction:

• Emphysema
• Asthma
• COPD
• Vocal cord dysfunction
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Cardiovascular conditions

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