Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What is the primary cause of asthma?

1. Thickening of bronchioles

2. Swelling of alveolar walls

3. Swelling of inner airways

4. Recurrent infections

The correct answer is: Swelling of inner airways

The primary cause of asthma is related to the swelling of the inner airways. In asthma, the airways become inflamed and hyper-responsive to various triggers such as allergens, smoke, exercise, or cold air. This inflammation leads to constriction of the airway muscles and increased mucus production, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This condition results in the characteristic symptoms of asthma, which include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The inflammation of the inner airways is central to the pathophysiology of asthma, ultimately causing the airway obstruction and difficulty in breathing that patients experience. While factors like the thickening of bronchioles or swelling of alveolar walls may contribute to respiratory issues, they are not the primary factors in asthma. Additionally, although recurrent infections can exacerbate asthma symptoms, they do not serve as the main cause of the disease itself. Thus, the focus on the swelling of the inner airways as the primary cause is accurate and provides a clear understanding of asthma's underlying mechanism.