Which term describes a respiratory condition caused by narrowing of airway passages, causing breathing difficulties?

• A. Amputation
• B. Acuity
• C. Airborne Pathogens
• D. Asthma

Answer: (D)

A condition where airway passages narrow and breathing becomes difficult is asthma. It’s a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which the surrounding muscles tighten (bronchoconstriction), the airway walls swell, and mucus production increases. This combination narrows the airways and makes airflow in and out harder, producing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Episodes are often reversible and can be managed with bronchodilators that relax the airway muscles and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and mucus. The other terms don’t describe a breathing-difficulty condition: amputation is a surgical removal of a body part, acuity means severity, and airborne pathogens are infectious agents in the air, not a disease.