Which of the following symptoms is most commonly associated with asthma?

• A. Coughing
• B. Swelling
• C. Chest tightness
• D. Both A and C

Answer: (D)

Coughing and chest tightness are two hallmark symptoms commonly associated with asthma. Coughing is often a result of bronchial irritation and inflammation, which are key components of asthma. Individuals with asthma may experience a persistent cough, particularly at night or during exercise, as their airways react to various triggers.

Chest tightness accompanies asthma due to the constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways and the swelling of those airways. Patients frequently describe this sensation as feeling as though something heavy is sitting on their chest, making it difficult to breathe comfortably.

While swelling in the airways is indeed a component of asthma, it is more of a physiological change rather than a symptom that a patient may report during an asthma episode. Therefore, the combination of coughing and chest tightness encompasses the most commonly reported symptoms during an asthma attack, making it the best answer choice.