What is a characteristic of asthma regarding its reversibility?

Asthma is characterized by its reversibility, which means that during an asthma attack, the airway obstruction caused by inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity can usually be reversed either spontaneously or with the use of bronchodilator medications. This is a key feature that distinguishes asthma from other chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which often involve irreversible damage to lung function over time.

The ability to alleviate symptoms and improve airflow during an asthma episode, either on its own or through treatment, is fundamental to asthma management. This characteristic allows individuals with asthma to achieve significant control over their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life when properly diagnosed and treated. Understanding this aspect of asthma emphasizes the importance of timely and effective treatment options available to asthma patients.