what causes bronchial spasms?

Answer 1

Bronchial spasm - or bronchospasm, in which the airways constrict and limit the flow of air, is caused by hyperreactivity of the airways to various trigger stimuli.

These triggers can either be irritants, allergens or even the response to various circumstances such as physical stress from exercise, or even strong emotional events.

More often, airway hyper-responsiveness leading to bronchoconstriction is a consequence of an inflammatory condition existing in the airways. One such well known condition is asthma.

Asthma is a condition in which uncontrolled inflammation predisposes the airways to being 'hyper'-reactive, and thus prone to bronchoconstriction. For individuals with asthma, antiinflammatory 'controller' agents are often prescribed with the objective of reducing airway inflammation, and thus the downstream consequences of bronchoconstriction and symptoms. Such agents include inhaled steroids, antileukotrienes, and to a lesser degree mast cell stabilizers such as nedocromil and cromolyn. For more severe situations, oral steroids - which have potential for significant side effects - may also be considered.

To manage the acute symptoms of asthma - when you are actually experiencing difficulty breathing, it's important NOT to confuse these controller agents with short-acting 'rescue' therapy such as beta-agonists, the most well known of which is albuterol in the United States (salbutamol elsewhere).

Using controllers on a regular, usually daily basis, as prescribed by a physician is central to preventing asthma from flaring up or 'exacerbating' into a full fledged attack. Likewise, the appropriate use of short-acting rescue therapy can be life-saving during an asthma attack - though - overreliance on these agents can limit their utility - hence the need for a well defined asthma management plan including appropriate controller therapy and a 'rescue plan' and medications.

Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to get the best advice on managing asthma.

Answer 2

Bronchial Spasms

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

Well, probably lots of things...your body would be reacting negatively to something...allergen or disease most likely. I have asthma and I know that causes this sometimes...

Answer 5

See an MD

Answer 6

usually, airborne irritants.