Post COVID Bronchial Hyper Responsiveness

After recovering from COVID-19, some people continue to face health issues. One such problem is bronchial hyper responsiveness (BHR). This condition will make the airways in the lungs extremely sensitive. When the airways are sensitive, they will easily become narrow or swollen which makes it difficult to breathe. BHR is similar to asthma and can be triggered by various factors. Keep on reading to know more about it.

What is Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness?

Bronchial hyper responsiveness is nothing but the airways in the lungs overreact to certain triggers. Triggers will include cold air, dust, smoke, exercise or strong smells like perfume. When these triggers are present, the muscles around the airways tighten, the airways swell and mucus may be produced. This combination will make it hard to breathe which causes symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

How COVID-19 Affects the Lungs?

COVID-19 is mainly a respiratory illness that affects the lungs. When someone gets COVID-19, the virus can cause inflammation in the lungs. Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting off infections but it can also damage healthy tissue. In the case of COVID-19, the inflammation can damage the lining of the airways which makes them more sensitive. Even after recovering from the virus, this sensitivity will remain which leads to bronchial hyper responsiveness.

Symptoms of Post-COVID Bronchial Hyper responsiveness

People with post-COVID BHR may experience various symptoms like:

Coughing: A persistent or frequent cough occurs especially after exercise or when exposed to triggers like dust or cold air. The cough can be dry or produce mucus.
Wheezing: A whistling sound comes when breathing and it is often heard when exhaling. This sound is caused by the narrowing of the airways.
Shortness of Breath: A feeling of being unable to breathe deeply or not getting enough air. This can happen during physical activities or even at rest.
Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest which can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. They can be mild or severe and can significantly impact daily life.

Diagnosing Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness

To diagnose bronchial hyper responsiveness, doctors use some tests which are as follows:

Spirometry: This is a common test that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can do it. It helps doctors determine if your airways are narrowed.
Bronchial Provocation Test: In this test, the patient is exposed to a trigger like a small amount of a chemical or exercise to see if it causes the airways to react. If the airways become narrowed, it indicates BHR.
Peak Flow Measurement: This simple test will measure how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It will help track how well your lungs are working over time.

Treatment and Management

There is no cure for bronchial hyperresponsiveness but the symptoms can be managed effectively. Here are some common treatments and strategies:

Medications: Inhalers are commonly used to help manage symptoms. There are two main types of inhalers:

Relievers (Bronchodilators): These inhalers give quick relief from symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways which makes it easy to breathe. They are used as needed.
Preventers (Inhaled Corticosteroids): These are used daily to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent symptoms from occurring. They help in controlling the condition over the long term.
Avoiding Triggers: It is important to identify and avoid things that make symptoms worse. Common triggers include smoke, dust, strong odors and extreme weather conditions. Keeping the home clean and free of dust, using air purifiers and avoiding smoking will help reduce exposure to triggers.

Breathing Exercises: Learning and practicing breathing techniques can help manage symptoms and improve lung function. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing can help calm the airways and make breathing easy.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also help manage BHR. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise and managing stress. These factors can strengthen the immune system and help the body respond better to triggers.

Tips to Manage Post-COVID Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness

Living with a chronic condition like BHR requires careful management and awareness. Check out some tips to manage the condition right below:

Follow Medical Advice: Always take medications as prescribed and follow your doctor's advice. Regular check-ups are important to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Have an Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to create an action plan for managing symptoms and knowing when to seek medical help. This plan should include how to use medications, what to do if symptoms worsen and when to seek emergency care.
Educate Yourself: Understanding your condition can help you manage it better. Learn about your triggers, how to avoid them, and how to use your medications properly. Stay informed about new treatments and management strategies.
Seek Support: Living with a chronic condition can be challenging. Joining a support group or connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable support and information. Sharing experiences and learning from others can help you feel less alone and more empowered to manage your condition.

Conclusion

Post-COVID bronchial hyperresponsiveness is a condition that can affect people even after they have recovered from COVID-19. It causes the airways to become overly sensitive which leads to symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. There is no cure but the condition can be managed with proper treatment, lifestyle changes and support. By understanding the condition and working closely with healthcare providers, you can lead a more comfortable and active life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, it is important to seek medical advice and take steps to manage the condition effectively.

You can go to EMC, the best hospital in Kochi, to get the right treatment for your BHR after COVID recovery. Our team of top pulmonologists in Ernakulam specializes in lung and respiratory diseases. It is closely related to internal medicine and often involves intensive care, especially for patients who need help with breathing machines. We use tools like bronchoscopy to treat lung problems. Our team in Kochi works together to offer you complete care for the respiratory system which ensures the best care is always available.