bronchospasm
Sudden breathing tightness
Bronchospasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, the small airways in the lungs.
This tightening causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
Bronchospasm commonly occurs in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and can be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections.
Treatment typically involves bronchodilator medications that relax the airway muscles.
The patient experienced bronchospasm during the allergy test.
Medication widening lung passages
- albuterolBronchodilator for asthma
- salbutamolBeta-agonist bronchodilator drug
- inhalerPortable respiratory medication device
- nebulizerMist-making breathing apparatus
epinephrine · corticosteroids · theophylline · anticholinergic · beta-agonist · spacer · oxygen therapy
Passage for breath
- constrictionTightening or narrowing action
- tighteningMaking less loose
- narrowingReduction in width
- bronchiMain lung air passages
smooth muscle · contraction · obstruction · lumen · reactivity · bronchoconstriction · reflex · vagal
Harsh, whistling respiration
- breathlessnessDifficulty drawing air
- dyspneaLabored respiration condition
- coughExplosive airway clearing
- chest tightnessPressure in torso cavity
whistling · gasping · stridor · labored breathing · sibilant · air hunger · tachypnea · hypoxia
Chronic lung inflammation
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- allergic reactionImmune system's hostile response
- exercise-inducedCaused by physical exertion
bronchitis · croup · atopy · hypersensitivity
Lung airflow assessment
- peak flowMaximum exhalation speed measure
- auscultationMedical listening examination
- pulmonologistPhysician treating breathing organs
- FEV1Pulmonary function measurement
bronchodilator
Medication widening lung passages
- albuterolBronchodilator for asthma
- salbutamolBeta-agonist bronchodilator drug
- inhalerPortable respiratory medication device
nebulizer · epinephrine · corticosteroids · theophylline · anticholinergic · beta-agonist · spacer · oxygen therapy
airway
Passage for breath
- constrictionTightening or narrowing action
- tighteningMaking less loose
- narrowingReduction in width
bronchi · smooth muscle · contraction · obstruction · lumen · reactivity · bronchoconstriction · reflex · vagal · cholinergic
wheezing
Harsh, whistling respiration
- breathlessnessDifficulty drawing air
- dyspneaLabored respiration condition
- coughExplosive airway clearing
chest tightness · whistling · gasping · stridor · labored breathing · sibilant · air hunger · tachypnea · hypoxia · cyanosis
asthma
Chronic lung inflammation
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- allergic reactionImmune system's hostile response
exercise-induced · bronchitis · croup · atopy · hypersensitivity
spirometry
Lung airflow assessment
- peak flowMaximum exhalation speed measure
- auscultationMedical listening examination
- pulmonologistPhysician treating breathing organs
allergens
Immune reaction triggers
dust · pollen · irritants · aspirin · beta-blockers · sulfites · histamine · mold · fumes · pollution