During an asthma attack, where does air typically get trapped?

During an asthma attack, air typically gets trapped in the bronchioles. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways, particularly the smaller air passages known as bronchioles. This constriction and the production of excess mucus can obstruct airflow, making it difficult for air to pass through these narrower passages. As a result, individuals may experience wheezing, coughing, and difficulty exhaling, leading to the trapping of air.

While the trachea and lungs are involved in the overall respiratory process, they are not the primary sites of air trapping during an asthma attack. The trachea serves as the main airway but is less affected by the specific constriction associated with an asthma episode. Alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs, could also be implicated in a broader sense during severe attacks, but the immediate concern and trapping of air are most pronounced in the bronchioles. This illustrates the critical role of the bronchioles in conditions like asthma, emphasizing the importance of understanding their function in respiratory health.