How can bronchospasm be best recognized?

Bronchospasm is primarily characterized by difficulty with expiration and the presence of wheezing. This condition occurs when the muscles around the airways tighten, leading to narrowing of the bronchial passages. During expiration, the airways are already partially narrowed, and with bronchospasm, they become even more constricted. This makes it difficult for air to flow out of the lungs, resulting in a prolonged expiratory phase during breathing, which can be especially pronounced in conditions like asthma.

Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, further indicates the presence of bronchospasm, as it occurs when air struggles to pass through narrowed airways. Therefore, the combination of difficulty in expiration and the occurrence of wheezing are hallmark signs that indicate bronchospasm.

The other options do not accurately represent the key features associated with bronchospasm. Difficulty with swallowing is unrelated, as it pertains to the esophagus rather than the bronchi. Difficulty with inspiration can occur in some respiratory conditions but is not the primary symptom of bronchospasm. Lastly, chest tightness alone does not encompass the full spectrum of symptoms related to bronchospasm, which includes measurable respiratory distress indicated by wheezing and difficulties specifically during expiration.