brochospasm

Term: brochospasm

Origin: Anc Greek

βρόγχoς/brochos(=windpipe, throat) > βρύν/vrin(=suck, swallow)

+ σπασμός/spasmos(=a spasm, convulsion) >σπάω/spao(=draw up, pull, contract violently)

Coined

Definition

Bronchospasm is the temporary narrowing of the bronchi due to contraction of the smooth muscle in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles. The patient experiencing a bronchospasm will have a cough and may also wheeze while she is in the middle of the bronchospasm. Bronchospasms appear as the feature of asthma, chronic bronchitis, anaphylaxis, as a possible side effect of certain drugs.  The patient suffering from emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also experience a bronchospasm