What causes small airway disease and how should it be managed?
Oct 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Small airway disease usually refers to pathological changes in the airways with a diameter of less than two millimeters. It may be caused by factors such as aging, environmental exposure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, or bronchiolitis. Management should be based on the specific condition. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and receive standardized treatment as directed by a physician.
Small airway disease usually refers to pathological changes in the airways with a diameter of less than two millimeters, which may be caused by factors such as aging, environmental conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, or bronchiolitis. Management should be based on specific circumstances. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Aging
With increasing age, the elastic fibers in small airways gradually decrease, leading to reduced elastic recoil. Meanwhile, surrounding alveolar tissues also undergo changes, including a reduction in elastic fibers within alveolar septa, making small airways more prone to collapse. Age-related changes in small airways are difficult to reverse completely, but they can be improved through appropriate physical exercise and smoking cessation.
2. Environmental Factors
Prolonged exposure to low-humidity environments can reduce mucus secretion in small airways and increase mucus viscosity. This impairs ciliary clearance function, causes mucosal dryness, and may lead to discomfort. It is recommended to use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. Additionally, drinking plenty of water helps ensure adequate hydration.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD may be associated with smoking, air pollution, occupational dust exposure, and other factors. It can cause inflammation in small airways, with inflammatory cells infiltrating the airway walls and releasing inflammatory mediators, resulting in thickened airway walls and narrowed lumens. Patients may experience symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath. It is recommended to follow medical guidance in using medications like salbutamol inhalation aerosol, sustained-release sulfates of salbutamol, and ipratropium bromide aerosol to relieve symptoms.
4. Bronchial Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that also affects the small airways. During an attack, inflammatory mediators cause smooth muscle contraction in small airways, mucosal edema, and increased mucus secretion, leading to narrowing or even complete obstruction of the small airways, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing. It is advisable to take medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, methylprednisolone tablets, and hydrocortisone tablets under a doctor's supervision to alleviate symptoms.
5. Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis can be caused by various factors including viral or bacterial infections. The mucosa of small airways shows inflammatory responses characterized by congestion, swelling, increased mucus secretion, and impaired ciliary movement, leading to symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets, amoxicillin tablets, and ribavirin granules to relieve symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a light diet, drink sufficient water every day, and keep the respiratory tract moist, all of which contribute to better respiratory health.
