Which of the following pathophysiological mechanisms is primarily involved in asthma?

Airway inflammation is the primary pathophysiological mechanism involved in asthma. This condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to hyperresponsiveness of the bronchial tissues, mucus overproduction, and airway obstruction. The inflammation is typically driven by a combination of immune system responses, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition.

In asthmatic individuals, exposure to allergens, irritants, or respiratory infections triggers an inflammatory cascade that results in the release of various mediators such as cytokines, leukotrienes, and histamines. These substances contribute to the swelling of the airway lining, increased mucus production, and constricted air pathways, culminating in symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

The other options describe conditions or responses that may be influenced by asthma but do not directly represent the underlying mechanism. Decreased oxygen saturation can occur as a result of asthma during an exacerbation, but it is a consequence of airway inflammation rather than a primary mechanism. Thickening of the alveolar walls is associated with other lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, and not typical in asthma. Bronchial dilation is the desired therapeutic effect achieved with bronchodilators and is not a mechanism of the disease itself