Which condition in the list is characterized by wheezing and bronchospasm?

• A. Asthma.
• B. Anaphylaxis.
• C. Bronchiolitis.
• D. Congestive Heart Failure.

Answer: (A)

Wheezing with bronchospasm comes from reversible narrowing of the airways due to smooth muscle constriction. This is most characteristic of asthma, where triggers such as allergens, infections, or exercise provoke airway hyperreactivity, causing bronchial smooth muscle contraction along with inflammation and mucus production. The resulting narrowing of the airways produces the expiratory wheeze that is emblematic of an asthma attack, and these changes are typically reversible with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory therapy. Other conditions can cause wheeze, but the underlying issue isn’t primarily bronchial smooth muscle constriction: anaphylaxis involves systemic signs beyond breathing, bronchiolitis is viral inflammation of small airways, and congestive heart failure causes wheeze mainly from fluid in the lungs rather than true bronchospasm.