Which chronic disease affects the airways, causing inflammation and sensitivity to irritants?

• A. Influenza
• B. COPD
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Asthma

Answer: (D)

Asthma involves chronic inflammation of the airways that makes them unusually sensitive to irritants. Because of this inflammation, the airways narrow more easily in response to triggers like smoke, pollen, cold air, or exercise, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. This combination of chronic airway involvement plus inflammation and irritant sensitivity fits the description in the question.

Influenza is an acute viral infection, not a chronic, ongoing condition. COPD refers to a long-term, progressive limitation of airflow that results from damage to the lungs and is not primarily defined by irritant-triggered airway hyperreactivity. Bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and can be acute or chronic, but it’s mainly characterized by cough and mucus production rather than the irritant-triggered airway sensitivity that defines asthma.