What is asthma?

Asthma is defined as a chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction, leading to difficulty in breathing. This condition results from a combination of airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation, which cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The chronic nature of asthma means that while it may be managed effectively, it is not fully curable, and management typically involves ongoing treatment strategies, including the use of medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

In contrast, the other options refer to different conditions or causes that do not precisely define asthma. For example, a viral infection affecting the lungs can cause acute respiratory symptoms but isn't specifically asthma. Smoking can lead to respiratory issues and is a significant risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is not classified as asthma itself. While some genetic factors may influence the predisposition to asthma, it is not solely considered a genetic disorder; rather, it is understood to arise from a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors.