Which condition is characterized by wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness due to reversible airway obstruction?

The condition characterized by wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness due to reversible airway obstruction is asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that leads to episodic airflow obstruction. This obstruction is often reversible, either spontaneously or with medication, distinguishing it from other respiratory conditions.

During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and narrow, resulting in difficulty in breathing, which manifests as wheezing and chest tightness. The cough associated with asthma can be worse at night or early in the morning. These symptoms occur due to a hyperreactive airway response to various triggers, such as allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections.

In contrast, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) leads to irreversible airflow limitation and is typically characterized by chronic cough and sputum production, rather than the episodic wheeze and tightness seen in asthma. Pneumonia involves infection and inflammation of the lung parenchyma, which may lead to cough and difficulty breathing but is not primarily characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of disorders affecting the lung interstitium and generally leads to chronic symptoms without reversible airway obstruction.

Thus, asthma is the most fitting answer as it