AEMCA Practice Exam

What defines type 2 intrinsic asthma?

1. Triggered primarily by environmental factors

2. Caused by long-term exposure to irritants and inflammation

3. Characterized by asthma attacks triggered by exercise

4. Less common than type 1 extrinsic asthma

The correct answer is: Caused by long-term exposure to irritants and inflammation

Type 2 intrinsic asthma is defined by the chronic inflammation of the airways, which is often a result of long-term exposure to various irritants, including allergens, respiratory infections, and pollutants. Unlike extrinsic asthma, which is typically triggered by identifiable allergens and is characterized by an immune response involving IgE antibodies, type 2 intrinsic asthma is associated with a different pathophysiological process. It reflects a persistent inflammatory response that can lead to structural changes in the airways, making them hyperresponsive over time. In this context, the emphasis on long-term exposure and inflammation highlights the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the symptoms of type 2 intrinsic asthma, including chronic coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It is also important to note that although exercise-induced asthma can occur, it is not the primary defining characteristic of type 2 intrinsic asthma, and environmental factors play a role in both types but do not distinguish them on their own. Type 2 intrinsic asthma may also be considered less common than type 1 extrinsic asthma in certain populations, but this is not a defining feature of its pathology. Thus, recognizing long-term exposure and resulting inflammation is key to understanding the nature of type 2 intrinsic asthma.