Which finding indicates increased work of breathing during an asthma episode?

Which finding indicates increased work of breathing during an asthma episode?

• A. Use of accessory muscles
• B. Normal breathing
• C. No coughing
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (A)

When airways are narrowed in asthma, drawing air becomes harder, so the body recruits extra muscles to assist breathing. This use of accessory muscles in the neck and chest, sometimes with visible chest retractions, shows that breathing effort is increased. That visual cue directly reflects the increased work of breathing during an asthma attack. Normal breathing implies no extra effort, so it wouldn’t indicate increased work of breathing. Lack of coughing isn’t a reliable sign of breathing effort, and bradycardia isn’t typical in this context (disease-related stress usually causes faster heart rate).

When airways are narrowed in asthma, drawing air becomes harder, so the body recruits extra muscles to assist breathing. This use of accessory muscles in the neck and chest, sometimes with visible chest retractions, shows that breathing effort is increased. That visual cue directly reflects the increased work of breathing during an asthma attack.

Normal breathing implies no extra effort, so it wouldn’t indicate increased work of breathing. Lack of coughing isn’t a reliable sign of breathing effort, and bradycardia isn’t typical in this context (disease-related stress usually causes faster heart rate).