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Bronchospasm Prevention

A bronchospasm occurs when the airway into the lungs, the bronchi, contracts and constricts. The condition is often caused by asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, emphysema or a number of other conditions. Individuals who suffer from bronchospasms regularly will find it beneficial to take actions to prevent them.

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

    • Many doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help prevent bronchospasms in individuals who experience them regularly. These drugs include cromolyn sodium and corticosteroids. They help to treat the underlying inflammation and thus prevent the airway from constricting.

    Beta-Agonist Drugs

    • Beta-agonist drugs are used to relax the smooth muscles in the airway. Beta-agonist drugs include albuterol, metaproterenol and terbutaline. While these drugs work to prevent bronchospasm attacks, they treat only the symptoms and not the underlying causes.

    Avoiding Triggers

    • One of the most common ways of preventing bronchospasms involves avoiding the triggers that cause them. Those who experience exercise-induced asthma should not exercise; those who have bronchospasms caused by a food allergy should avoid the offending food; and those who regularly contract respiratory infections should work with their doctors to improve their immune systems.

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