Asthma Exacerbation and Corticosteroid Use

Very Hard Physiological Adaptation Pathophysiology

A 48-year-old female patient presents to the clinic with symptoms suggesting an exacerbation of her asthma. During her assessment, the nurse notes a family history of autoimmune disorders and learns that the patient has previously been treated with high doses of corticosteroids for severe asthma attacks.

Given the patient's current state and previous treatments, which pathophysiological process is mainly responsible for the potential worsening of her asthma due to long-term corticosteroid use?

Inhibition of lung surfactant production.

Decreased eosinophil activity and reduced airway hyperresponsiveness.

Increased bronchial hyperreactivity due to smooth muscle hypertrophy.

Inhibition of inflammatory cell migration and cytokine production.

Hint

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