| Bronchospasm
is a sudden constriction of the muscles in
the walls of the bronchioles. It is caused
by the release (degranulation) of substances
from mast cells or basophils under the
influence of anaphylatoxins. It causes
difficulty in breathing which can be very
mild to severe.
The overactivity of the bronchioles' muscle
is a result of exposure to a stimulus which
under normal circumstances would cause
little or no response. The resulting
constriction and inflammation causes a
narrowing of the airways and an increase in
mucous production; this reduces the amount
of oxygen that is available to the
individual causing breathlessness, coughing
and hypoxia.
|
