Ace the Cough Reflex Test 2025 – Boost Your Respiratory Skills Today!

A prolonged expiration in a patient typically indicates an issue with airflow, often associated with problems in the lower airways. This is most commonly seen in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where there is narrowing or obstruction of the bronchi or bronchioles. In these situations, the smooth muscle surrounding the airways may constrict, making it more difficult for air to flow out of the lungs. This results in a noticeable prolongation of the expiration phase of breathing.

By contrast, normal lung function generally features a more balanced and efficient expiration phase, and upper airway obstruction would primarily affect the inspiratory phase rather than extending the expiration. Lastly, while bronchial hyperreactivity may imply a tendency for prolonged expiration, it is more specifically linked to conditions that cause lower airway disease. Thus, recognizing prolonged expiration as a sign of lower airway issues is critical for accurate diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.