Which term describes a chronic allergic disorder characterized by episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing?

Which term describes a chronic allergic disorder characterized by episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing?

• A. Hypercapnia
• B. Asthma
• C. Mesothelioma
• D. Influenza

Answer: (B)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory and hyperresponsive condition of the airways that commonly presents with episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing. In an asthma flare, the airways narrow due to bronchoconstriction, swelling, and increased mucus, which makes it hard to move air in and out. Triggers like allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections can set off these episodes, producing the characteristic wheeze and shortness of breath. Because it’s ongoing, management focuses on reducing airway inflammation with controller medicines and using quick-relief inhalers during attacks to relieve symptoms. The other options don’t fit this pattern: hypercapnia means high carbon dioxide in the blood and points to ventilation problems; mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura; influenza is an acute viral infection.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory and hyperresponsive condition of the airways that commonly presents with episodes of severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing. In an asthma flare, the airways narrow due to bronchoconstriction, swelling, and increased mucus, which makes it hard to move air in and out. Triggers like allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections can set off these episodes, producing the characteristic wheeze and shortness of breath. Because it’s ongoing, management focuses on reducing airway inflammation with controller medicines and using quick-relief inhalers during attacks to relieve symptoms. The other options don’t fit this pattern: hypercapnia means high carbon dioxide in the blood and points to ventilation problems; mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura; influenza is an acute viral infection.