This term refers to “airway irritability” or the abnormal tightening of the airways of
the lungs. Bronchospasm makes airways smaller and leads to wheezing similar to that experienced
by someone with asthma during an asthma attack.13 While smokers may not have asthma, they are
susceptible to this type of reaction to tobacco smoke.14 An asthmatic that starts smoking can
severely worsen his/her condition.15 Bronchospasm makes breathing more difficult, as the body tries
to get more air into irritated lungs.