Atemwegsreagibilität

Atemwegsreagibilität, also known as airway hyperresponsiveness, refers to an exaggerated bronchoconstrictor response of the airways to various stimuli. This means that the muscles surrounding the airways constrict more strongly and for a longer duration than in individuals without this condition. It is a hallmark feature of asthma and can also be present in other respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and some forms of emphysema.

The increased reactivity can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander), irritants (like smoke or cold air), viral infections, and even exercise. When exposed to a trigger, the smooth muscles in the airway walls contract, leading to narrowing of the air passages. This narrowing makes it difficult to breathe, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.

Diagnosing airway hyperresponsiveness often involves pulmonary function tests, particularly spirometry, and sometimes a bronchial provocation test. These tests measure how the airways respond to inhaled substances that are known to cause bronchoconstriction. While airway hyperresponsiveness is a key characteristic of asthma, it is not the sole determinant. The presence and severity of symptoms, as well as the inflammatory processes involved, are also crucial for diagnosis. Management typically focuses on avoiding triggers and using medications, such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, to control airway inflammation and reduce hyperreactivity.