Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can cause the bronchial pathways to narrow and swell. The production and secretion of excess mucus within the lungs often causes wheezing, coughing and chest tightness., according to MayoClinic.com. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are certain symptoms that occur to indicate an attack. Spasms, for example, emerge due to an external factor that initiates an asthma attack. Understanding the causes can help prevent and treat the sudden onset of symptoms. Asthmatics should always consult a medical professional for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm
Exercise-induced bronchospasm, or EIB, occurs when the lungs shrink significantly causing breathing diffulties while exercising, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Generally, this spasm will develop between five to 20 minutes of consecutive exercise, which can include wheezing, chest pain, coughing and tightness. It is often difficult for sufferers of EIB to partake in routine exercise lasting longer than 30 minutes. Medical treatments include fast-acting inhalers and corticosteroids. Fast-acting inhalers help to quell immediate symptoms to improve breathing while bronchodilators help to lessen asthmatic lungs from persistent inflammation leading to attacks, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Allergen-Induced Bronchospasm
Allergen-induced bronchospasms take place when an environmental allergen such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander or perfume irritates the lungs causing the bronchial pathways to constrict. The smooth muscles that surround the passageways tighten, which makes asthmatics experience a notable decrease in lung function, according to MayoClinic.com. An allergic response affects both the lining of the airways and the nose in the same manner. Congestion, inflammation and mucousal secretion occurs and requires a fast-acting bronchodilator to relieve the sudden onset of symptoms. Other medications such as mast cell stabilizers and antileukotrines help prevent inflammation that causes airway constriction, according to Drugs.com.
Chemical-Induced Bronchospasm
Asthmatics exhibit a hyper-sensitivity when it comes to external agents. Chemicals in particular can trigger an asthma attack as fumes can quickly irritate the bronchial airways. A 2009 National Institutes of Healthy study found that 31.4 percent of a 1058-person sample were asthmatic, in which 31.8 percent reported chemically-scented products induced asthma symptoms. Indoor air pollution such as combustion device fumes and outdoor air pollution such as greenhouse emissions can cause bronchospasms, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Treatment usually necessitates a fast-acting bronchodilator to reduce sudden symptoms, corticosteroid treatments to lessen inflammation, avoiding heavily polluted areas and using non-chemical cleaning agents.
