Airway resistance

Definition

Airway resistance is the resistance to airflow within the respiratory airways. It affects how easily one can breathe and is influenced by factors such as airway diameter and lung volume.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Airway resistance increases when the diameter of the airways decreases, which can occur in conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
2. Proper nutrition can impact airway resistance; for example, antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may reduce inflammation in the airways.
3. Obesity is linked to increased airway resistance due to excess fat around the chest and abdomen, making breathing more difficult.
4. Dehydration can thicken mucus in the respiratory tract, thereby increasing airway resistance.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, have been shown to reduce airway inflammation and thus decrease airway resistance.

Review Questions

• How does obesity influence airway resistance?
• What role do antioxidants play in managing airway resistance?
• Why might dehydration increase airway resistance?

Related terms

Bronchoconstriction:

The narrowing of the airways due to contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding them.

Lung Volume: The amount of air that the lungs can hold; larger lung volumes generally lower airway resistance.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

A group of diseases characterized by increased airflow obstruction and breathlessness.