Chapter 22, Problem 1ILQ

Visit this site (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/asthma) to learn more about what happens during an asthma attack. What are the three changes that occur inside the airways during an asthma attack?

Summary Introduction

To write:

The three changes that occur in the airways during an asthma attack.

Introduction:

Asthma is a persistent respiratory disease. In asthma, temporary airway obstruction leads to difficulty in breathing. In severe cases, it may lead to a lack of ability to talk and inactivity of the person.

Explanation of Solution

There are mainly three changes that occur in the airways of respiratory tract during an asthma attack, namely, inflammation, production of excess mucus in the airways and bronchiole constriction leading to obstruction of the airways.

1. Inflammation − During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes become swollen and red. This inflammation adds greatly to the chronic damage that can occur due to asthma to the lungs.
2. Excess production of mucus − Mucus is found in the lining of the digestive system, airways and lungs, and other body parts. Mucus protects the airways from infection. During an asthma attack, the quantity of mucus exceeds than usual.
3. Bronchoconstriction − The contraction of the muscles during asthma attack causes narrowing of bronchus and limit the amount of air passing in and out of lungs. Bronchoconstriction or constriction in the airways further aggravates the asthma attack.

Conclusion

Thus, the inflammation, constriction of bronchioles, and excessive production of mucus occur in the airways during an asthma attack.