What Is Chronic Airway Inflammation?
When irritants such as smoke and pollen enter the airways, the immune system goes into action, causing inflammation. If the irritants are not removed, then the inflammation continues, leading to tissue damage.
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The Respiratory Airway
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The respiratory airway is made up of the nose, throat, trachea, bronchi, and the alveoli. All are susceptible to irritation from environmental allergens and irritants that enter the airway.
Allergens and Irritants
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Allergens are molecules which cause an allergic reaction when they come into contact with a body tissue and the immune system goes into action against them. Irritants chemically damage, or irritate, the tissues with or without the involvement of the immune system.
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Chronic Airway Inflammation
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If the allergens and irritants are constantly inhaled, then the inflammation and irritation they cause is said to be chronic (continuous). Chronic inflammation leads to tissue damage and death as the cells are unable to repair themselves.
Asthma
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A rescue inhaler is used to quickly diminish bronchial irritation. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, over 22 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchi, the small airway tubes in the lungs. As the bronchi are inflamed, they close up, making breathing difficult.
COPD
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease caused by chronic airway inflammation from asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. In COPD, the airways are damaged to the point that breathing is difficult and the oxygen exchange at the lungs is diminished.
Treatment
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Current treatments for chronic airway inflammation include removing the environmental allergens and irritants by staying indoors, using air filters in the home, or smoking cessation. If this is not possible, there are a number of medications available to help relieve the symptoms and the inflammation.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Christian Guthier
