Asthma may be defined as a malady characterized by attacks of breathlessness due to paroxysmal narrowing of the smaller bronchi and bronchioles. Asthma may start at any age, but most commonly in childhood. The typical attack starts suddenly with breathlessness and wheezing, the difficulty being mainly in expiration. A small amount of viscid mucus is usually expectorated towards the end of the attack. Attacks may occur at any time, but especially during the night or in the early morning. Their duration is variable, some ending in an hour or so, others, especially if complicated by bronchitis, continuing for days. The frequency of attacks varies from one or two a year to several daily. During attacks the lungs become over-distended with air, since the obstruction to respiration is greater in expiration than in inspiration and the muscles of forced inspiration which are brought into action are stronger than the expiratory muscles.
We understand from the passage that asthma ___.
leads to a narrowing of the smaller bronchi
is a respiratory disorder
is relatively rare in childhood
is commonly found among people with distended lungs
is a condition that can cause serious damage to the lungs
It is clear from the passage that, when an asthmatic patient contacts bronchitis, ___.
attacks of breathlessness may last as long as an hour
he may start to expectorate a small amount of viscid mucus
he will find inspiration more difficult than expiration
the expiratory muscles will be weakened
the attacks are likely to be of long duration
It is pointed out in the passage that, during an attack of asthma, ___.
it is breathing out that is the real problem
a condition of breathlessness will very gradually develop
the recommended treatment varies according to the age of the patient
the cause of the respiratory obstruction can easily be observed
people automatically start to breathe more rapidly