Spotting the Signs of Bronchospasms
A bronchospasm happens when the muscles around your airways tighten, making it harder to breathe. This tightness can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you have asthma, COPD, or a lung infection, you’re more likely to experience a bronchospasm. People with allergies, young kids, and adults over 65 are also at higher risk.
Having a bronchospasm can feel scary, especially if it’s your first time. It might feel like you can’t get enough air, and symptoms can come on suddenly.
The good news is that bronchospasms are treatable and preventable, and knowing what causes your symptoms — and acting quickly when they get worse — can help keep you safe and healthy.
TRIGGERS
Bronchospasm triggers vary from person to person but commonly include:
• Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold are common culprits, especially if you have asthma or allergies.
• Exercise, particularly in cold or dry air, can make it hard to catch your breath.
• Respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu, can irritate your airways.
• Irritants in the air, like smoke, strong odors, or pollution, can trigger bronchospasms, as well.
• For some, exposure to cold air or sudden temperature changes can cause airway constriction.
• Stress and strong emotional responses can also play a role, as they can impact your breathing patterns.
• Certain medications or chemicals might worsen your symptoms, as well.
Understanding these triggers can help you manage bronchospasms better and avoid situations that could worsen your symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
Bronchospasms can cause several noticeable symptoms that affect your breathing:
• A high-pitched wheezing sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath, which can make it feel hard to get enough air
• Chest tightness, often described as a squeezing or heavy feeling in your chest
• A persistent cough, especially when you try to breathe deeply
• Fatigue due to your body having to work harder to breathe
• Dizziness or lightheadedness due to reduced oxygen levels
MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION
If you’re prone to bronchospasms, proactive management can make a big difference in reducing your symptoms. Using preventive medications, such as inhalers prescribed by your doctor, can help lower the frequency of incidents. It’s also important to identify and avoid personal triggers to minimize flare-ups.
Staying active is important, but be sure to take precautions if exercise triggers symptoms. Warm up properly and use any prescribed preventive measures before physical activity.
Regular check-ups and timely intervention can prevent complications and help you better manage symptoms, ensuring your treatment plan remains effective.
WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT
Spotting bronchospasms early is essential for effective treatment.
Seek medical care if your wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness worsens or doesn’t improve with home remedies. Immediate help is necessary if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or notice a bluish tint around your lips or fingers, as these could indicate low oxygen levels.
If your bronchospasms are frequent, disrupt your daily life, or persist despite prescribed medications, consult your healthcare provider.
If you think you or someone you know might be dealing with bronchospasms, please call 423-710-3864 to make an appointment. You may also click here to use our quick and easy online scheduling system. We will help you quickly diagnose your issue so we can start you on an effective treatment plan.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us and set up a video or voice call with Dr. Mike via our HIPAA compliant app, pMD.
We are here to Help You Breathe Better Again – The Lung Docs
