Which condition is characterized by chronic airway inflammation causing episodes of wheezing?

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

Answer: (B)

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that leads to episodic narrowing and symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The key idea is that the inflammation makes the airways hyperresponsive, so they can suddenly constrict in response to triggers such as allergens, exercise, cold air, or infections. This obstruction is typically reversible with bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory treatment, which is a hallmark that helps distinguish asthma from other conditions.

Bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and mainly presents with a persistent cough and mucus production; wheezing can occur but the defining pattern isn’t episodic airway obstruction. Influenza is a viral infection with fever, body aches, and a more acute course rather than a chronic inflammatory airway disease with recurrent wheeze. COPD features long-term, progressive airflow limitation often with a chronic productive cough and is not primarily characterized by episodic wheezing due to reversible obstruction.