Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common symptom of asthma?

1. Nonproductive cough

2. Productive cough

3. Sudden dyspnea

4. Peripheral edema

The correct answer is: Sudden dyspnea

A common symptom of asthma is sudden dyspnea, which refers to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that can occur quickly and often unexpectedly. Asthma is characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to increased resistance to airflow. This can cause episodic symptoms including wheezing, chest tightness, and a feeling of not being able to get enough air, which contributes to the sudden onset of dyspnea. Other symptoms, such as a nonproductive cough, might also occur but are typically not the hallmark of an asthma attack. A productive cough, while it can occur in other respiratory conditions, is less common in asthma where the cough is often dry. Peripheral edema, which refers to swelling in the limbs, is more associated with heart failure or other systemic issues rather than a direct symptom of asthma.