Which disease is most likely associated with nocturnal symptoms and reversible airway obstruction?

• A. Asthma
• B. COPD
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Pulmonary edema

Answer: (A)

Nocturnal symptoms with reversible airway obstruction point to asthma due to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory airways that fluctuate over time. In asthma, the airways tighten in response to triggers and inflammation, causing wheeze, coughing, and shortness of breath that often worsen at night or in the early morning. Importantly, this obstruction is largely reversible with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory therapies, so lung function improves after treatment or with time. In contrast, COPD typically shows less reversibility, especially in longtime smokers, and does not characteristically present with nighttime symptom spikes. Pneumonia presents with infection-related signs such as fever and productive cough, not a primary, reversible obstructive pattern. Pulmonary edema causes dyspnea from fluid overload and cardiogenic signs, not reversible airway obstruction tied to bronchial hyperreactivity.