What occurs when the irritated mucous lining of the bronchi causes them to swell shut, reducing airflow?

The correct answer is asthma, which is characterized by the swelling and narrowing of the airways due to inflammation of the bronchial mucous lining. When an individual experiences an asthma attack, triggers such as allergens, exercise, or stress can cause the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and filled with mucus, resulting in decreased airflow. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves persistent airflow limitation and is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, such as cigarette smoke. While COPD does involve inflammation of the airways, it is not characterized by the acute bronchial swelling seen in asthma attacks.

Bronchitis also involves inflammation of the bronchi, but it is more often associated with mucus production and persistent cough rather than the acute narrowing of the airways that happens in asthma. Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic, but it does not typically result in the sudden bouts of airway constriction that characterize asthma.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome typically presents in neonates and is due to a deficiency of surfactant, leading to difficulties in breathing, rather than inflammation of the bronchi.