Asthma USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
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?
Answer choices
- AStress reduces airway smooth muscle responsiveness to beta-2 agonists
- BPsychological stress triggers hyperventilation and airway narrowing via vagal pathwaysCorrect answer
- CAnxiety causes pulmonary edema and bronchospasm
- DEmotional distress suppresses the immune system, allowing viral infections
- EStress hormones directly cause smooth muscle contraction via alpha-adrenergic receptors
- FPsychological stress activates mast cells via corticotropin-releasing hormone causing non-IgE histamine release
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