bronchoconstrictor
- noun
- /ˌbrɒŋkəkoʊnˈstrɪktər/
- Specialized
:
bronoconstrictor
- A bronchoconstrictor can trigger symptoms in patients with respiratory conditions.
Examples
-
The bronchoconstrictor response to capsaicin inhalation is believed to result from a local reflex that might be mediated by substance P. (n9)
Academic text (1992) -
Since this bronchoconstrictor response was similar between asthmatic and normal subjects, both in the morning and in the afternoon, there is probably no difference between the two groups in the function of the receptor activated by capsaicin or of the non-myelinated C fibers that are in turn activated by the receptor.
Academic text (1992) -
The doctor explained that asthma medications often include a bronchoconstrictor to help relax the airways.
-
Inhalers may deliver a bronchoconstrictor to aid in treating sudden breathing difficulties.
Antonyms
- Specialized
1
5.5
A medicine that relaxes the small tubes in the lungs to make breathing easier
Surface Forms
Morphology
bronchoconstrictor = constrictor (semi-transparent) = broncho + constrict + or
The combining form 'broncho-' specifies the airways but is technical; 'constrictor' as 'agent that narrows' is clear.
Etymology
Bronchoconstrictor comes from broncho- 'air tube' and constrictor 'one who squeezes', like a snake that squeezes. So, a bronchoconstrictor is a thing or substance that makes the air tubes narrow and makes it harder to breathe.