Asthma may be attributed to:
Answer: (B) Allergic reaction of the mast cells in the lungs. Answer: (b) Allergic reaction of the mast cells in the lungs Solution: Asthma is a difficulty in breathing causing wheezing, caused by inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles.
- A.Bacterial infection of the lungs
- B.Allergic reaction of the mast cells in the lungs✓
- C.Inflammation of the trachea
- D.Accumulation of fluid in the lung
Correct Answer
(B) Allergic reaction of the mast cells in the lungs
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (b) Allergic reaction of the mast cells in the lungs Solution: Asthma is a difficulty in breathing causing wheezing, caused by inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles. This inflammatory narrowing is triggered by an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction involving mast cells in the lungs, so option (b) is the underlying cause. It is not a bacterial infection, not inflammation of the trachea (it is the bronchi/bronchioles), nor fluid accumulation. NCERT: Ch 14, p.190, line 67 — "Asthma is a difficulty in breathing causing wheezing due to inflammation"