Which condition has risk factors including allergy exposure and GERD?

• A. Asthma
• B. COPD
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Tuberculosis

Answer: (A)

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness that are strongly linked to atopy and allergen exposure. When someone with a predisposition to allergies encounters triggers like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander, an IgE-mediated response promotes airway inflammation, swelling, and reversible obstruction typical of asthma.

GERD also plays a role in asthma by increasing airway irritation and reactivity. Reflux can cause reflex bronchoconstriction and, in some patients, microaspiration of stomach contents into the airways, which can worsen asthma symptoms and control, especially at night.

Other conditions have different risk factor patterns: COPD is mainly tied to smoking and long-term lung damage; tuberculosis exposure and immune status are key for TB; pulmonary embolism risk is driven by factors like immobility, clotting disorders, recent surgery, or cancer. None of these center on allergen exposure or GERD in the same way asthma does.