bronchospasm

American  

[brong-kuh-spaz-uhm] / ˈbrɒŋ kəˌspæz əm /

noun

1. spasmodic contraction of the muscular lining of the bronchi, as in asthma, causing difficulty in breathing.

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Etymology

Origin of bronchospasm

First recorded in 1900–05; broncho- + spasm

Example Sentences

In big cities, he says, such recurrent, wet coughs are commonly triggered by dust and smog, sometimes accompanied by mild bronchospasm.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

“The presence of Terbutaline was found in the player’s biological samples. The drug was taken to calm a bronchospasm issue, in October 2022, when the footballer was registered for Sevilla FC.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 20, 2023

If one of the gases causes bronchospasm or inflammation of the airway, a child “has much less leeway than a healthy adult,” she said.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2023

The second kind of post-cold cough is called post-inflammatory bronchospasm, and it resembles asthma.

From Washington Post • Dec. 23, 2013

A bronchospasm was shutting the tiny airways in his lungs.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2011