Bronchospasm Symptoms

It has been reported that 89% of people complain of cough, 74% report having shortness of breath, and 63% complain of wheezing.

Lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs that are present in our body to help us in the process of breathing (i.e., taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide). The air that we take in follows a proper path while entering and leaving our body.

When we breathe in, the trachea (windpipe) carries the oxygen-rich air from our nasal cavity to the bronchi (tubular branches). Bronchi are the bifurcation of the trachea that lead to the lungs. Each bronchi then further divides into tiny bronchioles, which lead to air sacs known as alveoli.

The air travels from the bronchi to the alveoli, and then diffuses to the surrounding blood capillaries (blood vessels). Through these capillaries, the oxygen-rich blood is carried to various parts of the body, and the carbon dioxide-rich blood is transported back to the lungs. From the lungs, this carbon dioxide-rich air is then given out.

Sometimes, when the bronchi contract involuntarily, insufficient amount of air enters the lungs. This condition is known as bronchospasm. These contractions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Along with the contractions of the bronchi, the mucosa (inner lining of the respiratory tract) also becomes inflamed, which reduces the bronchial diameter. Moreover, the mucus secreted from this lining causes blockage of the air passage.

Due to all these factors, more pressure is applied on the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. All these factors generate quite a few signs and symptoms of bronchospasm. Therefore, one needs to watch out for them.

As bronchospasm is an abnormal constriction of the bronchi, it leads to acute narrowing of the airway. This causes less amount of air to enter the lungs; hence, one of the symptoms of this condition is shortness of breath. This shortness of breath usually instigates a panic attack, which may cause the person to hyperventilate.

Due to the reduction in the bronchial diameter, the person's respiratory rate may increase to make up for the decreased intake of air. In addition to this, due to the narrowing of the bronchi, the air makes a wheezing sound while passing through it. This is typically observed during inhalation of air.

One of the other symptoms of bronchial spasm is incessant cough. The secretion of mucus from the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract causes wet cough. Due to the presence of mucus, lesser amount of air enters the lungs, which further aggravates the breathing.

This is accompanied by chest pain, or a sense of pressure or crushing in the chest region, which may bring about anxiousness. The pain and discomfort is more pronounced when the person inhales.

This occurs because the chest tries to expand and accommodate enough amount of air. In some cases, the signs of bronchospasm may develop due to rigorous exercising. In such cases, the person may sweat incessantly.

This condition develops when a person takes a medicine to ease the symptoms of bronchospasm, but instead of reducing the symptoms, it worsens. This symptom of paradoxical bronchospasm develops due to an allergic reaction. The symptoms of this condition are the same as those mentioned above.

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Nasal congestion
• Sharp chest pain
• Sore throat
• Coryza
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Chest tightness

Triggers

Incidentally, bronchospasm is in itself a symptom, rather than a disease. It may be triggered due to many conditions like asthma, upper respiratory tract infection, or allergy.

The bronchospasm symptoms are also seen in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and chronic bronchitis. Apart from this, even sudden and rigorous exercising may instigate this condition.

As the causes that lead to an attack are so varied, the treatment for bronchospasm will also vary accordingly. Therefore, one will need to treat the underlying cause so as to bring about any kind of improvement in the condition of the patient. One needs to be aware of not just the symptoms, but also the exact trigger factors.

These trigger factors may vary from person to person, and the best way to deal with them is by pinning down the trigger factor and then making conscious efforts to stay away from it. In either case, if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is best to visit a doctor, as he will be in a better position to diagnose and treat the condition.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.