Prolonged expiratory phase indicates which airway condition?

Prolonged expiratory phase indicates which airway condition?

• A. Upper Airway Obstruction
• B. Lower Airway Obstruction
• C. Bronchodilator Response
• D. Polycythemia

Answer: (B)

Prolonged expiration signals that airway resistance is higher during exhalation, which is typical of obstruction in the lower airways (bronchioles and distal airways). When these small airways are narrowed or inflamed, air exits the lungs more slowly and air trapping occurs, so expiration takes longer and is often accompanied by an expiratory wheeze. Upper airway problems tend to cause problems more with inspiration (stridor) rather than a prolonged expiratory phase, and conditions like polycythemia or a bronchodilator response don’t directly explain a longer expiration.

Prolonged expiration signals that airway resistance is higher during exhalation, which is typical of obstruction in the lower airways (bronchioles and distal airways). When these small airways are narrowed or inflamed, air exits the lungs more slowly and air trapping occurs, so expiration takes longer and is often accompanied by an expiratory wheeze. Upper airway problems tend to cause problems more with inspiration (stridor) rather than a prolonged expiratory phase, and conditions like polycythemia or a bronchodilator response don’t directly explain a longer expiration.