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Airway resistance can also change over time. During an asthma attack the airways constrict causing an increase in airway resistance. Airway resistance can also vary between inspiration and expiration: In emphysema there is destruction of the elastic tissue of the lungs which help hold the small airways open. Therefore, during expiration ...
Dynamic compression of the airways results when intrapleural pressure equals or exceeds alveolar pressure, which causes dynamic collapsing of the lung airways. It is termed dynamic given the transpulmonary pressure (alveolar pressure − intrapleural pressure) varies based on factors including lung volume, compliance, resistance, existing pathologies, etc. [1]
Asthma is a common pulmonary condition defined by chronic inflammation of respiratory tubes, tightening of respiratory smooth muscle, and episodes of bronchoconstriction. [1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 11 children and 1 in 12 adults have asthma in the United States of America. [ 1 ]
Airway remodelling is a multifaceted process involving multiple airway tissues. These include goblet cell hyperplasia, leading to increased mucus production, and airway smooth muscle hypertrophy (or smooth muscle cell hyperplasia), leading to the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic messengers contributing to subepithelial fibrosis.
The airways have a tone baseline, and consequently a baseline level of contraction of their smooth musculature. Airway tone is a key determinant of lung function and the presence of respiratory symptoms in obstructive lung diseases such as asthma, where baseline airway tone is elevated. [2]
Illustration depicting bronchoconstriction (Asthma) 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 .
Emphysema. Collateral ventilation is a back-up system of alveolar ventilation that can bypass the normal route of airflow when airways are restricted or obstructed. The pathways involved include those between adjacent alveoli (pores of Kohn), between bronchioles and alveoli (canals of Lambert), and those between bronchioles (channels of Martin).
The most common cause of this is asthma. Bronchospasm is commonly treated by oxygen therapy and bronchodilators such as albuterol. Diseases of the bronchioles include asthma, bronchiolitis obliterans, respiratory syncytial virus infections, and influenza.