Bronchospasm

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Bronchospasm is a difficulty in breathing caused by a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles. It is caused by the release (degranulation) of substances from mast cells or basophils under the influence of anaphylatoxins.

Bronchospasm appears as the feature of asthma, chronic bronchitis, anaphylaxis, and as a possible side-effect of the drug Pilocarpine (which is used to treat illness resulted in the ingestion of deadly nightshade as well as other things). The overactivity of the bronchioles' muscle is a result of exposure to a stimulus which under normal circumstances would cause little or no response. The resulting constriction and inflammation causes a narrowing of the airways and an increase in mucous production; this reduces the amount of oxygen that is available to the individual causing breathlessness, coughing and hypoxia (that can cause cyanosis).