Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by thickening of lung airways and recurrent bronchitis in a young adult?

1. Asthma

2. Bronchiectasis

3. Cystic fibrosis

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The correct answer is: Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is characterized by the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi, resulting in thickening of the airway walls. In this condition, the normal clearing mechanisms of the respiratory system are compromised, leading to recurrent infections and bronchitis. Young adults with bronchiectasis often present with a chronic cough, sputum production, and a history of recurrent respiratory infections, which can be linked to underlying issues such as previous infections or genetic conditions. This understanding of bronchiectasis also highlights its connection to airway inflammation and damage, where repeated cycles of infection can exacerbate the disease. Unlike conditions such as asthma, which involve reversible airway obstruction and inflammation primarily due to allergens or triggers, bronchiectasis is a chronic condition that results from structural changes in the airways themselves. Moreover, cystic fibrosis, while also a cause of bronchiectasis, typically presents earlier in life and is linked with specific genetic mutations, leading to more widespread effects beyond just the lungs, including pancreatic insufficiency. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generally occurs later in life and is often associated with a history of smoking or significant environmental exposures. Thus, bronchiectasis stands out in this context as the condition that specifically relates to thickened lung airways and recurrent