Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What defines bronchitis?

1. Obstruction of airflow due to bronchospasm

2. Inflammation and swelling of bronchioles

3. Destruction of alveolar walls

4. Pulmonary vessel constriction

The correct answer is: Inflammation and swelling of bronchioles

Bronchitis is primarily characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the bronchi, which are the large air passages from the trachea to the lungs. This condition can result from a variety of factors, including infections (such as viral or bacterial infections) or irritants (like smoke or pollution). The inflammation leads to symptoms such as coughing, production of mucus, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Choosing the option that describes inflammation and swelling of bronchioles highlights the hallmark of bronchitis. Understanding that bronchitis specifically pertains to the bronchial tubes helps to differentiate it from other respiratory conditions. Other options refer to conditions that involve different mechanisms or areas of the respiratory system: obstruction due to bronchospasm more accurately describes asthma; destruction of alveolar walls is characteristic of emphysema; and pulmonary vessel constriction is more relevant to conditions like pulmonary hypertension. Thus, recognizing the specific inflammatory process in the bronchial tubes is crucial to accurately defining bronchitis.