Asthma is caused by a response of which body system?

Asthma is caused by a response of which body system?

• A. Endocrine system
• B. Cardiovascular system
• C. Respiratory system
• D. Immune system

Answer: (D)

Asthma is driven by an immune system response that inflames the airways. When triggers such as allergens, irritants, or exercise activate the immune system, cells like Th2 lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells release mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, cytokines) that cause swelling of the airway lining, increased mucus production, and constriction of the airway smooth muscle. This immune-mediated inflammation makes the airways hyperresponsive and leads to the reversible obstruction that characterizes asthma, producing wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath. The respiratory system is where the symptoms occur, but the initiating cause is an immune system reaction, whereas the endocrine and cardiovascular systems are not driving this process.

Asthma is driven by an immune system response that inflames the airways. When triggers such as allergens, irritants, or exercise activate the immune system, cells like Th2 lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells release mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, cytokines) that cause swelling of the airway lining, increased mucus production, and constriction of the airway smooth muscle. This immune-mediated inflammation makes the airways hyperresponsive and leads to the reversible obstruction that characterizes asthma, producing wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath. The respiratory system is where the symptoms occur, but the initiating cause is an immune system reaction, whereas the endocrine and cardiovascular systems are not driving this process.