A 69-year-old man is taken in for diagnostic tests. The findings showed reversible airway obstruction secondary to bronchial hyperreactivity, airway inflammation, mucus plugging, and smooth muscle hypertrophy. What is his likely diagnosis?
Explanation
Answer - D - Bronchial asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction due to bronchial hyperreactivity, airway inflammation, mucus plugging, and smooth muscle hypertrophy. In emphysema (option A), there is a progressive destruction of the alveolar walls, causing decreased oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange in the capillary blood vessels.
Pneumonia (Option B) is the inflammation of one or both lungs leading to consolidation. This condition may be caused by bacterial or viral infection, or aspiration of foreign bodies. Pulmonary edema (option C) is the swelling or filling of fluids in the lungs. This condition may be cardiogenic (i.e. CHF) or non-cardiogenic (renal failure, ARDS, pneumothorax, or substance use).
