Constriction

/kənˈstrɪkʃən/ noun

Definition

The act of constricting or the state of being constricted; a narrowing or tightening, especially of a blood vessel or airway.

Etymology

From Latin constrictio, derived from constringere. The word evolved from physical squeezing to describe medical conditions involving narrowing.

Kelly Says

Doctors warn about airway constriction in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) because a swelling throat is literally life-threatening—your ability to breathe gets narrower in minutes.

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