Asthma is best defined as what?

Asthma is best defined as what?

• A. Chronic airway inflammation, leading to decreased expiratory airflow, increased PVR, hypoxemia, hypercapnia
• B. Acute bacterial infection of the airways
• C. Transient obstruction that resolves with rest
• D. Obstruction that is always irreversible

Answer: (A)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes reversible expiratory airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The airway inflammation leads to swelling, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction, which narrows the airways and reduces the amount of air that can be exhaled. This explains why expiratory flow is decreased during flare-ups, and it aligns with the idea of a chronic process with reversible obstruction when treated. In severe episodes, hypoxemia can occur from ventilation–perfusion mismatch, and hypercapnia may develop if ventilation is severely compromised, which is why that option’s mention of these effects can fit the picture of an acute exacerbation. The other statements don’t capture the essential pattern: asthma is not an acute bacterial infection; it is not merely a transient obstruction that resolves with rest; and it is not always irreversible—the hallmark is reversibility with appropriate therapy.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes reversible expiratory airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The airway inflammation leads to swelling, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction, which narrows the airways and reduces the amount of air that can be exhaled. This explains why expiratory flow is decreased during flare-ups, and it aligns with the idea of a chronic process with reversible obstruction when treated. In severe episodes, hypoxemia can occur from ventilation–perfusion mismatch, and hypercapnia may develop if ventilation is severely compromised, which is why that option’s mention of these effects can fit the picture of an acute exacerbation. The other statements don’t capture the essential pattern: asthma is not an acute bacterial infection; it is not merely a transient obstruction that resolves with rest; and it is not always irreversible—the hallmark is reversibility with appropriate therapy.