Constriktsioon

Constriktsioon (Estonian for constriction) describes the narrowing or tightening of a lumen or opening in a biological system. It can occur in vessels, airways, or ducts, and may result from smooth muscle contraction, external compression, or structural changes such as scar tissue or edema.

Physiological constriktsioon includes vasoconstriction, the contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessel walls that reduces diameter, and bronchoconstriction, the narrowing of airways that restricts airflow. External forces or lesions can produce pathological constriktsioon, such as a stenotic lesion from inflammation or postoperative scarring.

Common contexts include vascular constriktsioon, which can raise vascular resistance and blood pressure; bronchoconstriction, a feature of asthma and allergic reactions; and gastrointestinal or urogenital strictures that impede flow. Constriktsioon can be acute or chronic, and may be reversible with treatment or progressive if the underlying cause persists.

Assessment relies on imaging, endoscopy, or functional tests to measure lumen diameter and flow. Treatments focus on relieving or counteracting the constriction: vasodilators or anti-inflammatory therapy for airway or vascular constriktsioon; bronchodilators for bronchoconstriction; endoscopic dilation or surgical interventions for strictures; or management of external compression where appropriate. Understanding constriktsioon helps explain symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or obstructive issues after injury. See also: stenosis, vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction, constriction in physiology.