bronchoconstriction
1
8.1
- noun
- /ˌbrɒŋkəkoʊnˈstrɪkʃən/
- Specialized
- After exposure to allergens, bronchoconstriction can trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Examples
-
During an asthma attack, bronchoconstriction makes it difficult for patients to breathe as the airways narrow.
-
Increased parasympathetic tone does not fully explain the nighttime bronchoconstriction responsible for nocturnal cough and wheezing in asthmatic subjects.
Academic text (1992) -
Previous studies of aspirin-sensitive asthma patients have also shown that antileukotriene agents attenuate asthma-associated bronchoconstriction.
Academic text (1999) -
This impaired NANC efferent activity will result in impaired bronchodilatation and a greater tendency to morning bronchoconstriction.
Academic text (1992) -
The late asthmatic reaction was the area under the curve for bronchoconstriction (percentage change of FEV1 from baseline) at 4 to 10 hours after allergen challenge (Table 2).
Academic text (2000) -
This bronchodilatation follows transient (< 1 min) bronchoconstriction (n11) and lasts no longer than 3 min (n12, 13).
Academic text (1992) -
Finally, the most dangerous complication is what is known as the nasopulmonary reflex, which is mediated via the vagus nerve and results in an increase in parasympathetic activity that can lead to bronchoconstriction and hypoxia.
Academic text (2008) -
The finding that a reduction in the number of blood and airway eosinophils was not associated with a reduction in allergen-induced bronchoconstriction or hyper-reactivity challenges the hypothesis that the eosinophil is a central effector cell in asthma.
Academic text (2000) -
In the asthmatic group, peak flow rates were measured at 30 s intervals during intravenous propranolol administration (1 mg/min) to ensure that no substantial bronchoconstriction occurred. S minutes after administration of propranolol, pulse and Ros were recorded again.
Academic text (1992) -
The doctor explained that bronchoconstriction is a common response in individuals with asthma, leading to wheezing and coughing.
Synonyms
2
7.9
Sudden tightening of small muscles around the breathing tubes that makes breathing difficult, often in asthma
Antonyms
How Constricted
- Specialized
1
8.1
- UK
Surface Forms
Morphology
bronchoconstriction = constriction (semi-transparent) = broncho + constrict + ion
The meaning 'narrowing of the bronchi' follows directly from 'broncho-' + 'constriction', but 'broncho-' is a specialized combining form likely unfamiliar to an average B1 learner.
Etymology
The word bronchoconstriction breaks into broncho- meaning 'airway' or 'windpipe' and constriction meaning 'tightening', the same idea as the verb constrict. So bronchoconstriction literally describes the airways getting tighter, which is why it makes breathing hard.