Is bronchial asthma airflow limitation reversible?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on March 11, 2025
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The airflow limitation in bronchial asthma is completely reversible, which is related to the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the occurrence of bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is a chronic airway inflammation involving multiple inflammatory cells. When this airway inflammation occurs, there can be edema of the airway mucosa as well as spasm and contraction of the smooth muscles outside the bronchi. However, this inflammation and smooth muscle spasm are reversible through medication or spontaneous improvement. Thus, many patients with mild asthma can achieve symptom relief without medication. In the case of some severe patients, even though the airflow is restricted, it can be reversed with the use of medications, and generally, the recovery is very quick.

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Bronchial asthma auscultation characteristics

During a recurrence of bronchial asthma, symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing occur. During an attack, the patient's chest often appears hyperinflated. Upon auscultation, scattered or diffuse wheezing sounds can be heard, primarily during expiration, and the expiration phase is also prolonged. However, in some severe asthma cases, wheezing sounds may not be present, a condition referred to as "silent chest," which should be noted. If an asthma attack cannot be relieved, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for management by a doctor.

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Written by Hao Ze Rui
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Is bronchial asthma dangerous?

Whether bronchial asthma is dangerous depends on the severity of the condition during an acute asthma attack. The most common symptoms of asthma are episodic breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or coughing. If the patient experiences only mild breathing difficulties during an acute attack, it may resolve on its own without posing a life-threatening risk. However, if it is a severe asthma attack, such as the patient being unable to speak, experiencing drowsiness, consciousness disorders, even showing paradoxical movement, weakened wheezing sounds, or even an absence of breathing sounds, then there may be a life-threatening risk if immediate and aggressive rescue measures are not taken.

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Written by Hao Ze Rui
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma

The most common symptoms of bronchial asthma are episodic difficulty in breathing, which can also manifest as episodic chest tightness and coughing. During an asthma attack, there will be accompanying wheezing sounds. If the patient is more severe, they may be forced to sit up to breathe during episodes of breathing difficulties, exhibiting orthopneic breathing. Some patients may experience a dry cough or cough up a large amount of white foamy sputum. In severe cases, symptoms of hypoxia such as cyanosis of the lips and nail discoloration can occur. Asthma attacks are generally acute, with symptoms appearing within minutes, but they can also begin more slowly, worsening over several hours or days. Asthma generally relieves itself, or even after relieving, it may recur, typically worsening during the night.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Can people with bronchial asthma eat chicken?

Patients with bronchial asthma can appropriately eat some chicken, as chicken contains proteins, trace elements, and other minerals that can meet the body's demand for various nutrients and enhance its resistance. Additionally, chicken is a warming and tonic food, which helps to nourish the body and strengthen the patient's resistance, facilitating faster recovery from the illness. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and not eat too much at once, as overeating can burden the gastrointestinal tract and lead to indigestion. Therefore, it is advised to always eat in moderate amounts, regardless of the food type. Also, keep warm, avoid cold drafts, do not eat spicy, greasy, raw, or irritating foods. Furthermore, proper physical exercise should be maintained to enhance physique and improve resistance.

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Written by Yuan Qing
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Bronchial asthma X-ray manifestations

Bronchial asthma is primarily caused by inflammation in the airways due to various inflammatory cells, leading to the narrowing and spasm of the bronchi. This impedes the effective expulsion of gases from the lungs through the bronchi, resulting in a disease characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. In patients with bronchial asthma, because of a large amount of gas remaining in the lungs, X-ray manifestations primarily include sparse lung markings, increased translucency, as well as some signs of widened intercostal spaces and lowered diaphragm. Generally, these signs are not specific and cannot be solely relied upon to diagnose or exclude bronchial asthma. It is also necessary to consider the patient's medical history and lung function tests for a comprehensive assessment.