Word parts
What it means
The smooth muscle of the bronchi clamps down, so air has trouble moving in and especially out. It happens in asthma attacks, anaphylaxisan-uh-fuh-LAK-sisA sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.ana- away, against-phylaxis protectionFull entry , COPD flare-ups and with irritants, and can be caused by some drugs, such as nonselective beta blockers. It causes wheezingWEEZ-ingA high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.Full entry , coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Inhaled bronchodilators such as albuterolal-BYOO-ter-olA fast-acting inhaled drug that relaxes and opens the airways.Full entry relax it.
For the nurse
Sit the client upright, give the rescue inhaler or nebulizer as ordered, and check oxygen saturation and lung sounds. Silent lungs in a client struggling to breathe mean very little air is moving: an emergency.
At a glance
| Spanish | broncoespasmo |
|---|---|
| Also written | bronchospasms |
Related terms
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.
wheezing
A high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.
bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air into the lungs.
albuterol
A fast-acting inhaled drug that relaxes and opens the airways.