Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What condition generally leads to the expansion of bronchioles causing wheezing?

1. Respiratory arrest

2. Asthma

3. Bronchitis

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Asthma

Wheezing is typically associated with the expansion of bronchioles, primarily due to the constriction and inflammation of the airways. In asthma, the airways become hyper-responsive to various stimuli, which leads to bronchoconstriction—the tightening of the muscles around the airways. This, combined with inflammation and increased mucus production, results in narrowed bronchioles, making it harder for air to flow and causing the characteristic wheezing sound when breathing. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections, and it affects the airways by leading to edema and tightening of airway smooth muscles. This condition creates a cycle where wheezing occurs as the airflow is restricted during expiration, and it can often be relieved with bronchodilators, which help to open the airways. In contrast, conditions like respiratory arrest may be a result of severe asthma exacerbation but do not directly cause wheezing themselves. Bronchitis is typically characterized by inflammation of the bronchi rather than the smaller bronchioles, which may not lead to the same wheezing. Pneumonia involves inflammation of the lung tissue and may cause crackles or other sounds on auscultation, but wheezing is not a primary feature of this condition