Why does an asthma patient experience reduced airflow during a bronchospasm?

💡 Explanation

During an asthma exacerbation, mast cell degranulation releases histamine and leukotrienes, triggering airway smooth muscle constriction. This bronchospasm decreases the airway diameter, therefore airflow is reduced, rather than alveolar rupture or changes in mucus viscosity which are different mechanisms.

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