What is a characteristic feature of asthma pathophysiology?

A characteristic feature of asthma pathophysiology is reversible smooth muscle spasms. In asthma, individuals experience episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing due to the constriction of bronchial smooth muscles. During an asthma attack, inflammatory mediators contribute to bronchoconstriction, leading to narrowing of the airways. This bronchoconstriction can be reversed, often with the use of bronchodilators, which relax the smooth muscle and subsequently improve airflow.

The reversibility of these smooth muscle spasms is crucial for understanding asthma management, as it differentiates asthma from other chronic respiratory conditions characterized by irreversible airway changes. The acute nature of the spasms and the response to treatment reflect the underlying mechanisms of asthma and enable effective interventions.

In contrast, permanent airway dilation, excessive ciliary function, and decreased airway resistance do not align with the pathophysiology of asthma. Asthma is primarily associated with airway hyperreactivity and obstruction, rather than dilation or increased efficiency of ciliary movements.