Bronchial Tubes
(
Bronquios
)
When a person breathes, air taken in through the nose or mouth
then goes into the trachea (windpipe). From there, it passes
through the bronchial tubes, into the lungs, and finally back out
again. The bronchial tubes, which branch into smaller tubes called
bronchioles, are sometimes referred to as bronchi or airways.
People with asthma have bronchial tubes that are inflamed. This
means that the airways swell and produce lots of thick mucus. The
bronchial tubes are also overly sensitive, or hyperreactive, to
certain things like exercise, dust, or cigarette smoke. This causes
the muscles around the bronchial tubes to tighten up. The
combination of inflammation and muscle tightening narrows the
airways and makes it difficult to breathe.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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