What are common causes of a bronchospasm?

Answer 1

Bronchoconstriction is the constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Bronchoconstriction is due to an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers will release acetylcholine next to the Reissessen muscle, a smooth muscle layer surrounding the bronchi. These smooth muscle cells have M3 type muscarinic receptors on their membrane. The activation of these receptors by ACH will activate an intracellular Gq protein, that in turn will activate the PLC pathway, that will end in an increase of intracellular calcium concentrations and therefore contraction of the smooth muscle cell. The muscle contraction will cause the diameter of the bronchus to decrease, therefore increasing its resistance. Air flow in air passages can get restricted due to 3 factors: - a spasmodic state of the smooth muscles in bronchi and bronchioles - an inflammation of the airways - excessive production of mucus due to an allergic reaction or irritation caused by mechanical friction of air (due to shear stress), overcooling or drying of airways. Bronchoconstriction is common in people with respiratory problems, such as Asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. The condition has a number of causes, the most common being emphysema as well as asthma. Exercise and Allergies can bring on the symptoms in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.

Answer 2

Bronchodilation is the process by which the bronchi (tubes in the lungs made of connective tissue and muscle) are dilated, or opened. There are circumstances and conditions that cause the bronchi of the lungs to become narrow, or constrict, making it difficult to breathe. There are endogenous (inside the body) and exogenous (originating outside the body) factors that can affect bronchodilation

Read more: Causes of Bronchodilation | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5408399_causes-bronchodilation.html#ixzz2AYC5gDw4

Answer 3

Epinephrine 1:1,000

Class: Sympathomimetic.

Actions: Bronchodilation.

Indications: Bronchial asthma, exacerbation of COPD, allergic reactions.

Contraindications: Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, hypertension, pregnancy, patients with tachyarrhythmias.

Precautions: Should be protected from light. Blood pressure, pulse, and EKG must be constantly monitored.

Side Effects: Palpitations and tachycardia, anxiousness, headache, tremor.

Dosage: 0.3-0.5 mg.

Routes: Subcutaneous (IV and ET for pediatric cardiac arrest).

Pediatric Dosage: 0.01 mg/kg up to 0.3 mg.

Answer 4

Common causes of bronchospasm include asthma, allergies (such as to pollen or pet dander), respiratory infections, exposure to irritants (like smoke or pollution), exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and certain medications (such as beta blockers).

Answer 5

The most common cause of bronchospasm is a flare-up of asthma symptoms. The other main cause of bronchospasm is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.