Question

The hallmark of asthma is

• A. Irreversible airflow obstruction
• B. Chronic airway inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction
• C. Primary destruction of alveolar walls
• D. Pulmonary vascular remodelling

Hint:

Asthma is a long-term breathing disorder. The key to answering this is knowing what makes asthma different from other lung diseases like COPD or emphysema.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways. To answer this question correctly, you need to know its defining pathophysiological feature that makes it different from other lung diseases.

Step 2: Evaluate the wrong options.
Option 1 describes COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), where airflow obstruction is irreversible. Option 3 describes emphysema, where alveolar walls are destroyed. Option 4 describes pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary arterial remodelling, which is not asthma.

Step 3: What makes asthma unique?
Asthma has two core features: (1) chronic inflammation of the airways with involvement of eosinophils, mast cells, and T cells, and (2) bronchoconstriction that is reversible. The smooth muscle of the airways contracts in response to triggers (allergens, cold air, exercise), but this contraction can be reversed by bronchodilators like salbutamol.

Step 4: Why is reversibility the hallmark?
Reversibility is what separates asthma from COPD. In asthma, lung function returns to near-normal between attacks. This reversibility is also what makes bronchodilator therapy effective.

Step 5: Confirm the correct answer.
The hallmark of asthma is chronic airway inflammation combined with reversible bronchoconstriction.

Answer: Option (2) — Chronic airway inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction