When observing a patient, which symptom is a sign of bronchospasm?

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing, particularly during exhalation, and is a direct indication of bronchospasm. In the context of bronchospasm, the airways become narrowed due to muscle contraction around them, leading to increased resistance to airflow. This narrowing results in turbulent airflow, which causes the characteristic wheezing sounds.

Other symptoms, while they may present in respiratory conditions, do not specifically indicate bronchospasm. For instance, snoring sounds typically relate to the upper airway obstruction rather than lower airway constriction. Deep sighing can occur for various reasons such as emotional responses or the body's effort to take in more oxygen, but it does not specifically indicate bronchospasm. Continuous coughing could be associated with several respiratory issues, including bronchitis or post-nasal drip, but it also does not exclusively signify bronchospasm like wheezing does.