What does small airway disease mean?
Feb 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Small airway disease generally refers to pathological changes in the airways with a diameter of less than two millimeters, affecting respiration. Under factors such as long-term smoking, inflammatory irritation, and infection, conditions like smooth muscle spasm, congestion, and edema may develop. Without timely intervention and treatment, this may lead to complications including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension.
Small airway disease generally refers to a condition in which the airways with a diameter of less than two millimeters become diseased, thereby affecting respiration.
The small airways are the terminal portions of the human respiratory tract, including the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. Their main function is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to various parts of the body. When the airways are irritated or infected, the immune system releases inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and white blood cells. These mediators trigger an inflammatory response in the airway mucosa, causing swelling and thickening of the airway walls, leading to structural changes that can reduce the airway diameter to less than two millimeters. Prolonged exposure to factors such as smoking, inflammation, and infection may lead to pathological changes including smooth muscle spasm, congestion, and edema. Symptoms may include coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If not promptly treated, this condition may lead to complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension.
Once small airway disease develops, treatment should generally be strictly guided by a physician and targeted at the underlying cause.
