Bronchospasm management

Abstract

A bronchospasm is a condition when the smooth muscles of the airways constrict, which results in narrowing of bronchial lumen thus reducing airflow by 15% or more. This limits the amount of inhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide. Bronchospasm is a common symptom of bronchial asthma and allergies. Among other causes of bronchospasm are the following: chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lungs and bronchi infections, smoking (including electronic cigarettes), air pollution, smoke inhalation from a fire, allergens of environment (pet dander, dust, pollen), some food chemicals and additives, cleaning chemicals, cold weather, exercise, general anesthesia (causing airways irritation) and some drugs such as blood-thinning medications and NSAIDs (Jeffrey J. Fredberg, 2004). Results of scientific researches have shown that bronchospasm was also associated with atopic rhinitis (Laura Kwiatkowski, Jessica Mitchell, 2016).