What is Bronchospasm
Bronchospasm is when airways in the lungs get smaller. When this happens, it can be hard to breathe. You may cough. You may also make a whistling sound when you breathe (wheeze).
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- If you need to use an inhaler or nebulizer to take your medicine, ask your doctor how to use it.
- If you were given a spacer, always use it with your inhaler.
Lifestyle
- Change your heating and air conditioning filter. Do this at least once a month.
- Try not to use fireplaces and wood stoves.
- Do not smoke. Do not allow smoking in your home.
- Try not to use things that have a strong smell, like perfume.
- Get rid of pests (such as roaches and mice) and their poop.
- Remove any mold from your home.
- Keep your house clean. Get rid of dust.
- Use cleaning products that have no smell.
- Replace carpet with wood, tile, or vinyl flooring.
- Use allergy-proof pillows, mattress covers, and box spring covers.
- Wash bed sheets and blankets every week. Use hot water. Dry them in a dryer.
- Use blankets that are made of polyester or cotton.
- Wash your hands often.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom.
- When you exercise, try not to breathe in cold air.
General instructions
- Have
a plan for getting medical care. Know these things:
- When to call your doctor.
- When to call local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
- Where to go in an emergency.
- Stay up to date on your shots (immunizations).
- When
you have an episode:
- Stay calm.
- Relax.
- Breathe slowly.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your muscles ache.
- Your chest hurts.
- The color of the mucus you cough up (sputum) changes from clear or white to yellow, green, gray, or bloody.
- The mucus you cough up gets thicker.
- You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
- The whistling sound gets worse, even after you take your medicines.
- Your coughing gets worse.
- You find it even harder to breathe.
- Your chest hurts very much.
Summary
- Bronchospasm is when airways in the lungs get smaller.
- When this happens, it can be hard to breathe. You may cough. You may also make a whistling sound when you breathe.
- Stay away from things that cause you to have episodes. These include smoke or dust.
