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The main causes of inflamed airways are respiratory diseases or infections. The inflammation of the airway is a state of irritation in your airways. In addition to respiratory diseases and infections, other causes are exposure to substances that can cause air pollution. These substances are known as particulates, such as pollen, allergens, and other pollutants.
The airway is one of the three major parts of your respiratory system. They include the lungs, and your muscles of respiration. It carries air between your lungs and your body’s exterior. It also includes your nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
When you experience airway inflammation, it is a result of your immune system reacting to a perceived threat. It signals a series of reactions inside the tissue of your airways. The reaction of your immune system to identified threats causes symptoms such as swelling, itching, and redness.
Why Inflamed Airways Occurs
Mast cells are the tissue cells of the immune system. These cells cause inflamed airways in reaction to a perceived threat. The reactions include an allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. They do this by releasing a flood of chemical compound or substance known as histamine. This chemical substance rushes to the location of the threat. When it gets there it relaxes the blood vessels and contracts the smooth muscle in the airways. This reaction is what causes inflamed airways. It also constricts the airways resulting in you having difficulty being able to breath normally.
The symptoms may also include a burning, itching, and irritated feeling. Inside your airways will be red and tender when examined by your doctor.
The inflammatory or swelling response to a perceived threat can be dangerous when it is extreme. However, it is useful as helps the body react to threats. When this happens you may start to cough and wheeze. It can sometimes cause the airways to close off altogether.
If the swelling or inflammation is chronic, it can cause the fluid filling up in the airways. If that happens, it can cause tissue damage. This may result in open sores, scars, and other changes to the tissue.
Other Causes of Inflamed Airways
The underlying infections that cause inflamed airways include bronchitis and pneumonia. A rapid onset of airway inflammation can occur in people with asthma. Also a chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) can be the result of a chronic inflammation. In addition, smoking, occupational exposure to smoke and chemicals can also cause inflammation of airways.
Treatment for inflamed airways is aimed at reducing the swelling as well as preventing future occurrence. Appropriate treatment will keep the airways clear, reducing breathing problems in addition to addressing other related issues.
For an inflamed airway requiring emergency treatment, your doctor may prescribe medications that include:
- Antihistamines to blunt the immune system’s response,
- Steroids to reduce pain and swelling, and
- Breathing medication to keep the airways open.
It may be necessary to secure the airway with a breathing tube to make sure you get sufficient air. Your doctor will explain to you the various ways for preventing future occurrences. But this will when you have successfully recovered enough.
Your doctor may also prescribed long-term medication that you will need to control the inflammation. In most cases, it is necessary to include some lifestyle changes. In particular, you need to avoiding allergens and set a new regular exercise routine.