Final answer:
The condition characterized by irritation of the lung passageways due to infections or irritants such as smoke is called bronchitis, which involves inflammation and increased mucus production in the bronchi.
Step-by-step explanation:
Condition Characterized by Lung Passageway Irritation
The condition characterized by irritation of the major lung passageways from infectious disease or irritants such as smoke is known as bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the air passages leading into the lungs. When these passageways become inflamed, typically due to viral or bacterial infections, or irritants like tobacco smoke or air pollution, the lining of the bronchi swells and produces extra mucus. Symptoms of bronchitis may include coughing that produces phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.
From the provided options, bronchitis is the correct answer. In contrast, asthma is a chronic condition involving episodes of airway inflammation triggered by environmental factors that lead to narrowed airways. Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition affecting the alveoli of the lungs, filling them with fluid and hindering gas exchange. Emphysema, part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the destruction of the alveolar walls, primarily from long-term smoking, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange and trapped air in the lungs.