[Verified Answer]: Lena, a 20-year-old university student,…

Lena, a 20-year-old university student, has a history of asthma that she was diagnosed with at age 5. Over the years, her asthma symptoms have become increasingly erratic. She reports episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These episodes typically occur when she is exposed to cold air or after physical exertion, particularly during her routine jogs on campus. Recently, Lena noticed that her symptoms have worsened and she has been using her inhaler more frequently than before. She has a history of seasonal allergies, and she is aware that certain allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, can trigger her asthma. Lena is currently on a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid and a short-acting beta-agonist (bronchodilator) inhaler for rescue use. What is the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma? (Meaning: what is going on in the body during an asthma attack?)