Bronchioles play a central role in asthma because their constriction directly impedes airflow to the lungs.
During an asthma attack, several key events occur in the bronchioles that significantly impact breathing:
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Smooth Muscle Constriction: The smooth muscles surrounding the bronchioles tighten, narrowing the airways. According to the reference, "smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways." This constriction makes it difficult for air to pass through.
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Inflammation: The walls of the bronchioles become inflamed and swollen, further reducing the airway diameter.
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Excess Mucus Production: An increased secretion of mucus can clog the already narrowed airways, exacerbating the difficulty in breathing. The reference indicates, " The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion."
These combined factors drastically reduce airflow, leading to the characteristic symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the degree of bronchiole constriction, inflammation, and mucus production.
