Bronchiectasis
chronic bronchitis
The bronchial walls are made up of cartilage, smooth muscle, connective tissue, and mucous-secreting cells. These components work together to provide structure, support, and regulation of airflow in the respiratory system.
Bronchiectatic changes in the right middle lobe and lingula segment refer to the abnormal dilation and damage of the airways in these specific regions of the lungs, often due to chronic inflammation or infection. This condition can lead to impaired mucus clearance, recurrent respiratory infections, and progressive lung damage. Common causes include longstanding respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or recurrent pneumonia. Radiological imaging typically reveals thickened bronchial walls and cystic changes in the affected areas.
ANSWER:Inhalers use albuterol or another bronchial dialator to make the walls of the lungs expand, therefore exposing more alveoli to the incoming air. This is what asthma patients need for their attacks.
The term "bronchial" refers to the larger airways within the lungs, called the bronchi or bronchial tubes. These tubes branch off into the smaller airways that contain the alveoli, or air sacs.Bronchial conditions (such as asthma) prevent sufficient airflow through the tubes, either through inflammation, edema, or adhesion of the tube walls.
Central bronchial wall thickening refers to the abnormal increase in the thickness of the walls of the central bronchi, which are the large air passages that branch from the trachea into the lungs. This condition can indicate various underlying issues, such as chronic inflammation, infection, or neoplastic processes, and is often assessed through imaging studies like CT scans. It may be associated with respiratory symptoms, depending on the severity and underlying cause. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management and treatment.
The stretching of the arterial walls is called arterial dilation or vasodilation. This process occurs when the smooth muscle in the arterial walls relaxes, allowing the blood vessels to widen and increase blood flow. It is a crucial mechanism for regulating blood pressure and ensuring adequate perfusion to various tissues in the body. Factors such as increased blood flow, hormonal signals, and certain medications can trigger arterial dilation.
Substances like nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2), and adenosine can cause extreme dilation of arterioles and capillaries by promoting relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls. This dilation increases blood flow to tissues and helps regulate blood pressure and tissue perfusion.
The walls of blood vessels have smooth muscle, which allow contraction and dilation (for example, in response to temperature changes.
Smooth Muscle tissue relaxation and contraction is responsible for dilation and constrictions of the bronchioles, respectively.
Paralysis of the walls of the bronchi is known as "bronchial paralysis." This condition can result in impaired airway function, leading to difficulties in breathing and increased risk of respiratory infections. It may be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders or damage to the nerves that control bronchial muscles. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause.
Chronic bronchitis leads to inflammation and thickening of the bronchial walls, resulting in narrowed airways and increased mucus production, which obstructs airflow. The persistent inflammation can damage the cilia, impairing their ability to clear mucus and pathogens, further exacerbating respiratory issues. Over time, this can lead to structural changes such as airway remodeling, including fibrosis and enlargement of mucus-secreting glands, ultimately reducing lung function and increasing susceptibility to infections.