Bronchospasm
Type: Symptom
Definition
A sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, restricting airway passage.
Clinical Details
The smooth muscle lining the airways of the lungs is highly sensitive to serotonin and histamine. When a surge of these chemicals reaches the lungs, it triggers the airway muscles to violently contract and narrow. This mimics a severe asthma attack, causing pronounced wheezing, coughing, and extreme shortness of breath.