Difference Between Bronchospasm and Bronchoconstriction

Key Difference -Bronchospasm vs Bronchoconstriction
 

Bronchospasm and bronchoconstriction are two conditions that compromise the airflow into the lungs. The key difference between bronchospasm and bronchoconstriction is that bronchospasms spread along the airway from their point of origin while, in bronchoconstriction, there is a generalized narrowing of the airway.

The bronchial wall is made of smooth muscles that are innervated by the autonomic nervous system. The tone of these muscles is regulated to match the body’s requirement for air. The constriction of bronchial smooth muscles narrowing the bronchial lumen is known as bronchoconstriction. Unprovoked spontaneous activation of the parasympathetic nervous system gives rise to constrictions of the bronchi which are known as bronchial spasms.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Bronchospasm 
3. What is Bronchoconstriction
4. Similarities Between Bronchospasm and Bronchoconstriction
5. Bronchospasm vs Bronchoconstriction in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is a Bronchospasm?

The bronchial wall contains smooth muscles that are under the involuntary control of the autonomic nervous system. The contraction of bronchial smooth muscles is done by the parasympathetic component, and the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for their dilation. Unprovoked spontaneous activation of the parasympathetic nervous system gives rise to constrictions of the bronchi which are known are bronchial spasms. Bronchial spasms spread along the airway from the point of its origination. It can cause very mild to severe difficulties in breathing.

What is Bronchoconstriction?

The constriction of bronchial smooth muscles narrowing the bronchial lumen is known as bronchoconstriction.

Causes

• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Drugs
• Exercise

Symptoms

• Dyspnea
• Dry Cough
• Sometimes there can be an associated chest pain
• Abnormal breath sounds such as wheezing

Management

When bronchoconstriction develops following exposure to an allergen, it is important to identify the culprit and take measures to prevent the exposure to it. Skin prick tests are particularly useful in identifying the allergens and cost effective too.

Pharmaceutical agents that are frequently used in the management of bronchoconstriction include

• Short-acting beta-agonists such as salbutamol
• Long-acting beta agonists
• Corticosteroids

What are the Similarities Between Bronchospasm and Bronchoconstriction?

• Both conditions compromise the airflow into the lungs.
• The clinical features and management of both conditions are same.

What is the Difference Between Bronchospasm and Bronchoconstriction?

Summary – Bronchospasm vs Bronchoconstriction

The constriction of bronchial smooth muscles narrowing the bronchial lumen is known as bronchoconstriction. Unprovoked spontaneous activation of the parasympathetic nervous system gives rise to constrictions of the bronchi which are known are bronchial spasms. Bronchoconstriction causes a generalized narrowing of the airway whereas in bronchospasms the wave of contraction spreads along the airway from the point of origin. This is the main difference between bronchospasm and bronchoconstriction.

Reference:

1. Kumar, Parveen J., and Michael L. Clark. Kumar & Clark clinical medicine. Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders, 2009.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Blausen 0620 Lungs NormalvsInflamedAirway” By Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia