Bronchial obstruction

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Bronchial obstruction refers to a blockage in the bronchi, the main passageways into the lungs. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, tumors, and foreign body aspiration. Bronchial obstruction can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and atelectasis, if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Bronchial obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Infection: Infections can cause inflammation and swelling in the bronchi, leading to obstruction.
  • Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can cause bronchial obstruction.
  • Foreign body aspiration: This occurs when a foreign object is inhaled into the bronchi, causing a blockage.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of bronchial obstruction can vary depending on the cause and severity of the obstruction. Common symptoms include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of bronchial obstruction typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as chest X-ray or CT scan. In some cases, a bronchoscopy may be performed to directly visualize the bronchi and identify the cause of the obstruction.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for bronchial obstruction depends on the cause of the obstruction. In cases of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If a tumor is causing the obstruction, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. In cases of foreign body aspiration, the object may need to be removed via bronchoscopy.

See also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD