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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Bronchospasms and Laryngospasms?

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The main difference between bronchospasms and laryngospasms lies in the location of the affected airways:

  • Bronchospasms affect the bronchi, which are the airways that connect the windpipe to the lungs. These spasms occur when the muscles that line the bronchi tighten, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms. Bronchospasms are often caused by asthma, allergens, irritants, or other medical conditions.
  • Laryngospasms affect the vocal cords, which are two bands of tissue housed inside the larynx. These spasms cause the vocal cords to suddenly close up when taking a breath, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. Laryngospasms are typically caused by other conditions like asthma, stress, or hypersensitivity and are not usually dangerous or life-threatening.

Both conditions result in sudden, frightening spasms and can temporarily affect a person's ability to breathe and speak. However, laryngospasms are rare and usually last for fewer than 60 seconds, while bronchospasms can be longer-lasting and may require medical intervention.

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  • What is the Difference Between Bronchospasms and Laryngospasms?
  • Comparative Table: Bronchospasms vs Laryngospasms

    • Comparative Table: Bronchospasms vs Laryngospasms

    Here is a table comparing the differences between bronchospasms and laryngospasms:

    Feature Bronchospasms Laryngospasms
    Definition A narrowing of the airways due to the contraction of smooth muscles in the bronchial wall A narrowing of the airways due to the sustained closure of the vocal cords
    Occurrence Occurs in the bronchi, which are the airways connected to the lungs Occurs in the larynx, which is the upper airway
    Causes - Allergens, asthma, COPD, infections affecting the bronchi, general anesthesia, presence of a foreign body in the airway, adverse effects of certain drugs, exercise - Upper respiratory infections, recent cold, anesthesia, aspiration, irritants, allergens
    Symptoms - Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing - Partial or complete loss of the patient's airway, stridor, gagging, coughing, difficulty breathing
    Treatment - Fast treatment to reduce symptoms, including medications like bronchodilators - Basic airway maneuvers and adjuncts, medications like racemic epinephrine, intubation, humidification

    Bronchospasms occur in the bronchi, which are the airways connected to the lungs, while laryngospasms happen in the larynx, which is the upper airway. Both bronchospasms and laryngospasms involve the contraction of smooth muscles, but they affect different parts of the airway system.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.