What is often seen in the lungs during an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, excessive mucus production is a hallmark feature that can significantly contribute to airway obstruction and breathing difficulties. Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways, which often leads to hypersecretion of mucus. This excess mucus can clog the air passages, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs efficiently. The presence of mucus in the airways not only exacerbates symptoms like wheezing and coughing but also creates an environment that can trigger further inflammation.

In contrast to this correct answer, dilation of bronchi is generally not associated with asthma attacks; rather, bronchospasm and contraction of smooth muscles around the airways usually occur, leading to narrowed bronchi. Atrophy of lung parenchyma does not typically happen during an acute asthma episode; rather, asthma may lead to structural changes over a long time, but these are not acute events directly associated with attacks. Lastly, reduction in airway resistance is the opposite of what happens during an asthma attack; airway resistance increases due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. Thus, excessive mucus production remains the key event during an asthma attack that directly impacts respiratory function.