Bronchoconstriction in the lungs. Illustration of lung bronchioles and alveoli in a case of bronchoconstriction. This is the constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle. This results in coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. An example is a disease such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the bronchioles), one symptom of which is acute bronchoconstriction.