Etymed
bronchospasm
Definition
Sudden, forceful constriction of the smooth muscles in the bronchial tubes, causing airway narrowing and difficulty breathing
Clinical context
A 25-year-old asthmatic patient presents to the emergency department with sudden onset wheezing and shortness of breath after inhaling cat dander. Physical examination reveals widespread expiratory wheezes and the patient appears distressed with accessory muscle use. Bronchospasm is the primary pathophysiology causing airway obstruction in this case.
Mnemonic
Breathe tight - bronchospasm means airways contract hard