Chronic inflammation typically affects the bronchi first, which are the larger air passages that lead to the bronchioles and eventually the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Conditions such as asthma and bronchitis involve inflammation of the bronchi, which can restrict airflow.
Chronic inflammation affects the bronchi first. When we look at conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, both involve the inflammation and narrowing of these airways, often leading to issues with breathing due to reduced airflow and increased mucus production. The bronchi are larger air passages in the lower respiratory tract that become inflamed before smaller passages like the bronchioles or the alveoli, which are the tiny sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
Chronic inflammation of the bronchi can lead to a significant decrease in air passage diameter, contributing to the difficulty experienced during breathing. Asthma, in particular, is notable for this bronchial inflammation and is characterized by swollen airways and excessive mucus that can block air flow. In comparison, diseases like pneumonia affect the alveoli, leading to fluid accumulation and impaired gas exchange, but this isn't the first point of chronic inflammation in the airway pathway as seen in asthma or bronchitis.
So, chronic inflammation and diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily affect the bronchi before impacting other parts of the respiratory system such as bronchioles and alveoli.