A 19-year-old male university student reports that his asthma symptoms worsen during exams and times of emotional stress. He uses his rescue inhaler 2-3 times weekly during high-stress periods and rarely during relaxed times. Lung function is normal between episodes. Which of the following physiologic mechanism best explains his symptom pattern?
- A)Stress reduces airway smooth muscle responsiveness to beta-2 agonists
- B)Psychological stress triggers hyperventilation and airway narrowing via vagal pathwaysGABARITO
- C)Anxiety causes pulmonary edema and bronchospasm
- D)Emotional distress suppresses the immune system, allowing viral infections
- E)Stress hormones directly cause smooth muscle contraction via alpha-adrenergic receptors
Explicação
Stress-induced asthma exacerbations are mediated through the autonomic nervous system. Emotional stress triggers hyperventilation and enhanced vagal tone, leading to parasympathetic-mediated bronchoconstriction. This is a well-recognized trigger in asthma path... Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →