What is a common condition associated with increased airway resistance?

What is a common condition associated with increased airway resistance?

• A. Congestive heart failure
• B. Asthma
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Emphysema

Answer: (B)

Increased airway resistance is commonly associated with asthma due to the nature of this condition. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which leads to difficulty in airflow and results in increased resistance during breathing. The bronchioles become constricted, and there may be excessive mucus production, both of which significantly impede airflow and contribute to wheezing and shortness of breath commonly experienced by individuals with asthma. In contrast, while conditions like emphysema also involve airway changes, they typically lead to a decreased elastic recoil of the lungs rather than increased airway resistance alone. Congestive heart failure and pneumonia may impact gas exchange and overall lung function but are not primarily defined by increased airway resistance in the same way that asthma is. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why asthma is the most representative condition linked to increased airway resistance.

Increased airway resistance is commonly associated with asthma due to the nature of this condition. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which leads to difficulty in airflow and results in increased resistance during breathing. The bronchioles become constricted, and there may be excessive mucus production, both of which significantly impede airflow and contribute to wheezing and shortness of breath commonly experienced by individuals with asthma.

In contrast, while conditions like emphysema also involve airway changes, they typically lead to a decreased elastic recoil of the lungs rather than increased airway resistance alone. Congestive heart failure and pneumonia may impact gas exchange and overall lung function but are not primarily defined by increased airway resistance in the same way that asthma is. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why asthma is the most representative condition linked to increased airway resistance.