bronchoconstriction
Airways squeeze shut
Bronchoconstriction is the narrowing of the airways in the lungs, caused by tightening of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi.
It restricts airflow and makes breathing difficult—the characteristic mechanism behind asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
The cold air triggered bronchoconstriction during her morning run.
Harsh, whistling respiration
- shortness of breathDifficulty inhaling enough air
- dyspneaLabored respiration condition
- chest tightnessPressure in torso cavity
- coughingForceful air expulsion reflex
breathlessness · gasping · air hunger · respiratory distress · hypoxia · stridor · tachypnea
Bronchodilator for asthma
- salbutamolBeta-agonist bronchodilator drug
- inhalerPortable respiratory medication device
- nebulizerMist-making breathing apparatus
- beta-agonistAdrenergic receptor stimulant
anticholinergic · rescue medication · epinephrine · theophylline · corticosteroids · spirometry
Chronic lung inflammation
- COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- allergic reactionImmune system's hostile response
- exercise-induced asthmaAirway narrowing during exertion
Reduction in width
- tighteningMaking less loose
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
- airway obstructionBlocked respiratory passage
- cholinergicAcetylcholine-mediated neural signaling
wheezing
Harsh, whistling respiration
- shortness of breathDifficulty inhaling enough air
- dyspneaLabored respiration condition
- chest tightnessPressure in torso cavity
coughing · breathlessness · gasping · air hunger · respiratory distress · hypoxia · stridor · tachypnea
albuterol
Bronchodilator for asthma
- salbutamolBeta-agonist bronchodilator drug
- inhalerPortable respiratory medication device
- nebulizerMist-making breathing apparatus
beta-agonist · anticholinergic · rescue medication · epinephrine · theophylline · corticosteroids · spirometry
asthma
Chronic lung inflammation
- COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- allergic reactionImmune system's hostile response
narrowing
Reduction in width
- tighteningMaking less loose
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
- airway obstructionBlocked respiratory passage
allergens
Immune reaction triggers
smoke · dust mites · pollen · histamine · aspirin · sulfites · pollution · fumes · aerosols · viral infection
constriction, bronchitis, bronchial, bronchus, bronchi, bronchodilator, bronchospasm, bronchiolitis, bronchitic