Question

The primary physiological alteration in the development of asthma is: A. Bronchiolar inflammation and dyspnea B. Hypersecretion of abnormally viscous mucus C. Infectious processes causing mucosal edema D. Spasm of bronchiolar smooth muscle

Short answer

Answer: Spasm of bronchiolar smooth muscle.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A

Bronchiolar inflammation and dyspnea are indeed associated with asthma. Inflammation contributes to the narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing, known as dyspnea. However, we should analyze the other options as well, to determine if this is the primary alteration responsible for the development of asthma.

Analyze Option B

Hypersecretion of abnormally viscous mucus is a characteristic feature of another respiratory condition called cystic fibrosis, not asthma. Therefore, this cannot be the primary physiological alteration for asthma development.

Analyze Option C

Infectious processes causing mucosal edema are more related to respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. While these infections can cause asthma exacerbations or worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals, they are not the primary physiological alteration related to the development of asthma. Thus, we can eliminate this option.

Analyze Option D

Spasm of bronchiolar smooth muscle is one of the primary hallmarks of asthma. When the smooth muscle surrounding the bronchioles tightens up due to various triggers, it causes the airways to constrict and makes breathing difficult. This narrowing of airways is a characteristic feature of asthma.

Choose the correct answer

After analyzing all the options, we can safely say that Option D - Spasm of bronchiolar smooth muscle is the primary physiological alteration in asthma development. Option A is a notable feature of asthma, but bronchiolar smooth muscle spasm is more characteristic of the condition. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.