How can asthma cause hyperinflated lungs?

 

Lungs become hyperinflated when the air is captured in them. This condition results because of obstruction in the airways. People who have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are more prone to have this condition. Moreover, other respiratory infections like cystic fibrosis and asthma can also result in causing overinflated lungs. You can use a Ventolin evohaler to ease your breathlessness. However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for a suitable dosage. When your respiratory tract becomes infected, your lungs remain unable to perform their function properly. It makes them grab more and more air to compensate for the deficiency. This action makes your lungs hyperinflated. With the course of time, air sacs become less elastic, and the tissues of your lungs begin to damage. 

How does hyperinflation of lungs symptomize? 

It can be divided into two categories: dynamic hyperinflation and static hyperinflation. 

When you ascend stairs or do exercises, you may feel hard to grab breaths. It indicates dynamic hyperinflation. On the other hand, static hyperinflation occurs when you are rest and experience a sense of breathlessness. It makes your lungs have more air before you inhale again. This condition leads to lung damage. 

With time, the muscle surrounding your lungs and your ribs become stretchy to provide a space for inflated lungs. In addition, this condition may also affect your diaphragm. It becomes collapsed and may not perform its function properly. The damage to the diaphragm makes inhaling and exhaling poor. 

What causes overinflation of the lungs? 

The condition takes place when the air cannot flow outside your lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common cause. It is a developing disorder, which occurs as a result of multiple and severe lung infections. These illnesses make it difficult to inhale and exhale properly. Ventolin evohaler can help ease your condition. Consult with your doctor about its usage. There can be various lung diseases included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nevertheless, Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common ones. Let’s discuss them in brief. 

  • Emphysema

This condition harms the alveoli. They are tiny sacs, which inhale oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. 

  • Chronic bronchitis      

It causes inflammation in the bronchi. They are small airway pipes present in the lungs. 

  • Chronic obstructive asthma

This condition makes the airways narrow. Moreover, it results in coughing, wheezing sounds while exhaling, and other breathing problems.

How does asthma lead to hyperinflated lungs? 

Asthma, which is not associated with COPD, can also restrict the airflow. It also results in causing hyperinflation of the lungs. In addition, other lung infections, which are less likely to cause the condition and curb the airflow in the lungs, are-

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Langerhans cell histiocytosis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Bronchiolitis

How is the condition of overinflated lungs diagnosed? 

Your doctor may hear to your chest to see if any unusual sound is appearing. In addition, he may also ask about your medical history and symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing breathlessness during any particular activity. In addition, he or she may also examine the potential of your lungs during exercise. Other tests may include the following-

  • CT scan
  • X rays

Other than these diagnostic tests, your doctor may also conduct tests to examine the work of your lungs and heart.

What is the possible treatment for this condition? 

Your treatment may rely upon the cause of hyperinflation lungs. You may be prescribed bronchodilators. This medication allows the captured air to run off. Moreover, it can unblock the airways. Some types of exercises can also help in improving the condition. However, if the condition goes severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to decrease the size of your lungs. 

In addition to medications and exercises, a Ventolin evohaler is an effective aid to breathlessness. Take it with you wherever you go. It may help ease your condition if you happen to experience the symptom. 

You can also seek an online doctor consultation for asthma. Visit the Daily Chemist web page for any queries. Moreover, you can also request medical guidance from experts.