Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial tubes carry air to and from the lungs. Sometimes, the bronchial tubes may become inflamed or thickened which causes a constriction in the passage of air and thereby making it difficult to breathe.

Various reasons could cause the bronchial tubes to thicken and thereby result in a condition called bronchial asthma.

In bronchial asthma airway path to the lungs become narrow due to swelling. The swelling causes an increase in mucus production. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. This is a chronic condition and causes interference in daily life. It is a serious problem, affecting people of all age groups. It is more common in boys than in girls.

Trigger factors have been reported and they include:

  • Smoking as well as secondhand smoke
  • Infections such as cold, flu, or pneumonia
  • Allergies to dust
  • Exercise
  • Weather
  • Drugs such as aspirin, and beta-blockers

Although there is no permanent cure for bronchial asthma, anti-inflammatory drugs, inhaled bronchodilators, and ipratropium for inhalation are some of the treatment options for its management.