Definition: A bronchospasm is when the bands of muscles around your airways tighten uncontrollably. This tightening causes your airways to get more narrow. That leads to asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Pronunciation: BRONK-oh-spaz-emz
Also Known As: bronchoconstriction
Examples: Whenever Joe went outside on dry, windy, hot days, he could feel the bronchospasms start in his airways. Before long, he would be wheezing and gasping for air.
