Bronchiocrisis

/ˌbrɒŋkiˌoʊˈkraɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

An acute medical emergency involving sudden severe inflammation or constriction of the smallest airways in the lungs (bronchioles), making breathing extremely difficult.

Etymology

From bronchio- (related to bronchi, the lung airways) + crisis (from Greek 'krisis' meaning a turning point or critical moment). This describes a critical episode affecting the bronchioles.

Kelly Says

Bronchiocrisis is related to bronchospasm and severe asthma attacks—it's that terrifying moment when a patient's tiny airways suddenly tighten and they can barely get air in or out of their lungs.

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