Final answer:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and bronchospasms of the bronchioles, leading to obstructed airways and difficulty breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asthma is a chronic obstructive airway disease caused by inflammation and constriction (or bronchospasms) of the bronchioles. These physiological changes can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The inflammation in asthma is typically triggered by environmental factors and can result in edema (fluid accumulation), further contributing to obstruction.
Excessive mucus secretions may also contribute to the narrowing of the airways, making it difficult for air to enter the lungs. Additionally, immune cells like eosinophils and mononuclear cells may infiltrate the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, further exacerbating the condition.