When a person breathes, the air travels through the nose or mouth and into the larynx. From the larynx, air moves into the trachea, which divides into a left and right bronchus, large tubes that supply the air to the lungs. Each bronchus further divides into smaller airways, called bronchi. The bronchi continue to divide into bronchioles, which are the smallest airways of the lungs, according to the University of California Keck School of Medicine. Bronchial diseases are those that affect these airways and result in breathing difficulties.
Asthma
Asthma is characterized by narrowing and swelling of the bronchial tubes accompanied by an increase in mucus production. Asthma ranges in severity and can cause minor breathing difficulties or severe asthma attacks. The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but common triggers include airborne allergies, allergies to foods, physical activity, cold air, certain medications and stress, according to MayoClinic.com. Asthma symptoms occur in attacks and vary from person to person. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty sleeping, wheezing and coughing attacks. Long-term asthma treatment usually consists of inhalers that contain steroidal drugs to reduce inflammation in the airways. Medications used for rapid relief of an asthma attack include bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the large bronchial airways that lead into the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis occurs following a viral respiratory infection and usually affects infants, elderly adults, those with compromised immune systems and smokers. Chronic bronchitis is a recurring condition that is characterized by excess mucus production and a cough that occurs on most days. Other symptoms of both types of bronchitis include chest discomfort, mucus-containing cough, fatigue, low fever, shortness of breath and wheezing. Acute bronchitis caused by a viral infections does not require any treatment and usually goes away on its own within one week, according to MedlinePlus. If the condition is caught before it damages the lungs, chronic bronchitis will usually disappear with the cessation of smoking.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a condition in which an infection or underlying condition damages the airways and the bronchial tubes become widened, flabby and scarred. When the bronchial tubes change structure, they lose their ability to clear mucus from the lungs, which can lead to serious, chronic lung infections. The lung infections further damage the bronchial tubes and decrease their ability to exchange air normally, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Symptoms of bronchiectasis include daily cough, increased production of spit and mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain and increased thickness of the fingernails and toenails.
Treatment of bronchiectasis consists of antibiotics, bronchodilators and mucus-thinning medications. Physical therapy is a component of treatment that aims to break up mucus in the chest. Hydration is also important to thin out mucus, which makes elimination easier. Severe, untreated bronchiectasis can lead to respiratory or heart failure.
