What does bronchospastic mean?

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Last updated: April 30, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Bronchospastic refers to the sudden tightening or constriction of the muscles surrounding the bronchial airways in the lungs, which can cause or contribute to cough, as seen in patients with lung cancer and underlying bronchospastic obstructive airways disease 1. This condition is characterized by the narrowing of the airways, restricting airflow, and making breathing difficult, often causing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

  • Key features of bronchospasm include:
    • Excessive contraction of smooth muscles around the airways
    • Inflammatory processes and release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction
    • Triggers like allergens, irritants, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections
  • Treatment for bronchospasm usually involves:
    • Bronchodilator medications like albuterol or salbutamol that relax the airway muscles
    • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the underlying inflammation
    • Avoiding known triggers According to the American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, standard bronchodilator therapy may help alleviate cough in patients with lung cancer and underlying bronchospastic obstructive airways disease 1.
  • In some cases, inhaled steroids or sodium cromoglycate may also provide relief from cough, as shown in a study of 20 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Definition of Brochospastic

  • The term "brochospastic" is not directly defined in the provided studies, but it can be inferred to be related to bronchospasm, which is a temporary narrowing of the airways in the lungs.
  • Bronchospasm is a key feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, as mentioned in the studies 2, 3, 4.
  • The studies discuss the treatment and management of COPD and asthma, including the use of bronchodilators to relieve bronchospasm 2, 5.

Related Concepts

  • Bronchospasm is characterized by the constriction of airway smooth muscle, leading to narrowed airways and difficulty breathing 4.
  • The studies highlight the importance of bronchodilators in managing COPD and asthma, which suggests that bronchospasm is a significant component of these diseases 2, 5.
  • The term "brochospastic" may be related to the concept of bronchospasm, but without a direct definition, it is difficult to provide a clear explanation 2, 3, 5, 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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