What does bronchial constriction refer to?

Bronchial constriction refers specifically to the tightening of the airway passages, which can occur due to various factors such as allergens, irritants, or underlying medical conditions like asthma. This tightening results in narrowing of the bronchi, making it more difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs.

The process of bronchial constriction can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, as the reduced diameter of the airways limits airflow. Understanding bronchial constriction is critical for recognizing respiratory issues and managing conditions that may involve airway hyperreactivity.

The other options do not accurately describe bronchial constriction. Widening of the airways is the opposite of constriction, while increases in air pressure in the lungs and decreases in lung function are related to the overall lung mechanics but do not specifically identify the mechanism of the constriction itself.