Summary about Disease
Bronchial hyperreactivity, also known as airway hyperresponsiveness, is a condition characterized by an exaggerated bronchoconstrictor response to various stimuli. This means the airways in the lungs narrow more easily than normal when exposed to triggers that wouldn't normally cause a significant reaction in healthy individuals. It's a key feature of asthma but can also be present in other respiratory conditions or even temporarily following a viral infection.
Symptoms
Wheezing
Coughing (especially at night or early morning)
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Increased mucus production
Exacerbation of symptoms after exposure to triggers (e.g., allergens, irritants, cold air, exercise)
Causes
Bronchial hyperreactivity is often linked to:
Asthma: The most common underlying cause.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can inflame and sensitize the airways.
Respiratory infections: Viral infections (e.g., common cold, influenza, RSV) can temporarily increase airway reactivity.
Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, dust, fumes, and strong odors.
Genetics: A family history of asthma or allergies increases the risk.
Occupational exposures: Certain workplace exposures (e.g., chemicals, dusts) can contribute.
Medicine Used
Bronchodilators: These medications relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up and making breathing easier (e.g., albuterol, salmeterol, formoterol).
Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation in the airways (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide).
Leukotriene modifiers: These medications block the effects of leukotrienes, which contribute to airway inflammation and constriction (e.g., montelukast).
Combination inhalers: These inhalers contain both a bronchodilator and an inhaled corticosteroid (e.g., Advair, Symbicort).
Oral corticosteroids: Used for short-term relief of severe symptoms (e.g., prednisone).
Biologic therapies: For severe asthma, these medications target specific immune pathways (e.g., omalizumab).
Is Communicable
Bronchial hyperreactivity itself is not communicable. However, if it's triggered by a respiratory infection (like a cold or the flu), that infection *is* communicable.
Precautions
Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid known allergens, irritants, and other triggers that worsen symptoms.
Maintain good air quality: Use air purifiers, especially during allergy season or in areas with high pollution.
Get vaccinated: Flu and pneumonia vaccines can help prevent respiratory infections that can exacerbate bronchial hyperreactivity.
Proper hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections.
Follow your doctor's treatment plan: Take medications as prescribed and attend regular check-ups.
Use a peak flow meter: Monitor your lung function regularly to detect changes early.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of bronchial hyperreactivity symptoms varies depending on the underlying cause.
Asthma-related: Symptoms can be chronic and persistent, with acute exacerbations triggered by specific events.
Post-viral infection: Hyperreactivity can last for several weeks or even months after the infection has resolved.
Exposure-related: Symptoms may subside once the trigger is removed.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, triggers, and medical history.
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): These tests measure lung function, including how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can exhale.
Methacholine challenge test: This test involves inhaling increasing doses of methacholine, a substance that causes airway constriction. It's used to assess airway hyperresponsiveness.
Allergy testing: Skin prick tests or blood tests can identify allergens that may be contributing to symptoms.
Chest X-ray: May be performed to rule out other lung conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly.
Acute exacerbations: Rapid onset of symptoms within minutes to hours of exposure to a trigger.
Chronic asthma: Gradual onset of symptoms over days or weeks, with persistent baseline symptoms.
Post-viral: Symptoms may appear a few days after the onset of a respiratory infection and gradually improve over weeks to months.
Important Considerations
Bronchial hyperreactivity is not a disease in itself but rather a characteristic feature of several respiratory conditions.
It is important to identify the underlying cause of bronchial hyperreactivity to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Long-term management often involves avoiding triggers and using medications to control inflammation and prevent bronchoconstriction.
Uncontrolled bronchial hyperreactivity can lead to frequent asthma attacks and reduced quality of life.
Education and self-management skills are crucial for managing this condition effectively.