Bronchoconstriction

As bronchoconstriction (syn. bronchial constriction, bronchoconstriction and bronchial obstruction ) refers to a narrowing ( constriction ) of the airways within the lungs ( bronchial tubes). The term refers to the associated functional increase in airway resistance ( obstructive pulmonary disorder ) which leads to a reduction and prolongation of exhalation and thus to shortness of breath (dyspnea ). A spasmodic constriction of the bronchi is also referred to as bronchospasm.

The cause is usually an inflammation of the bronchi, the ( edema) and slime formation is accompanied by a contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, mucosal swelling. Triggers are allergies, medications, cold air and / or effort ( clinical picture of bronchial asthma) or exposure to pollutants. A long-lasting, often largely irreversible narrowing of the bronchi shows chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

For the treatment of obstruction bronchodilators are used, which can lead to a relaxation of the smooth muscle and to an extension of the bronchi, the bronchodilation.