Asthma |
Asthma or bronchospasm04/23/2009 |
I was told that I had bronchospasm. Is asthma the same as bronchospasm?
It is not quite the same thing. Bronchospasm is only 1 component of asthma.
Bronchospasm is a term used to describe tightening of the breathing tubes. A number of factors can cause spasm or tightening of the breathing tubes including some medications, dust, irritants, fumes, smoke, allergic reaction, asthma and exercise.
Asthma consists of inflammation in the breathing tubes and tightening or spasm of the muscles (bronchospasm) around the breathing tubes.
A diagnosis of asthma is usually determined after taking a careful history of symptoms and performing breathing tests such as spirometry.
|
Cathy Benninger, RN, MS, APRN, C-AE Clinical Assistant Professor Director, OSU Asthma Center Educational Program College of Medicine The Ohio State University |