Which pathophysiological mechanism describes the increased sensitivity of the airways in asthma?

The increased sensitivity of the airways in asthma is best described by airway hyperreactivity. This concept refers to the tendency of the airways to react more intensely and disproportionately to various stimuli, such as allergens, irritants, cold air, or exercise. In individuals with asthma, the smooth muscles surrounding the airways are often hyperresponsive, leading to exaggerated bronchoconstriction in response to these triggers.

This heightened sensitivity is a key characteristic of asthma and contributes to the symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The underlying pathophysiology involves an interplay of inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and the presence of mucus, but airway hyperreactivity specifically highlights the airways' abnormal responsiveness to stimuli, which is central to understanding asthma attacks and their management.

While inflammation plays a critical role in the overall disease process and contributes to airway narrowing, the specific term describing the increased sensitivity is indeed airway hyperreactivity. Mucus production can exacerbate airway obstruction but is a consequence rather than a direct mechanism of increased sensitivity.