Hypersecretion of mucus during an asthma attack leads to what?

Hypersecretion of mucus during an asthma attack leads to mucus plugging, which is a significant complication of asthma exacerbations. When the airways become inflamed due to various triggers, the mucus glands are stimulated to produce an excess amount of mucus. This excessive mucus can obstruct the airways, leading to narrowed passages that impede airflow.

Mucus plugging can severely hinder the ability to breathe, as it prevents air from efficiently passing through the bronchi. This condition may also contribute to further airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, exacerbating the asthma symptoms and leading to a cycle of respiratory distress.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the consequences of hypersecretion during an asthma attack. For instance, increased airflow would imply that the airways are clear, which is the opposite of what occurs with mucus plugging. Mucus plugging also contradicts thinning of bronchial secretions, as hypersecretion actually results in thickened mucus rather than thinning. Finally, decreased respiratory effort usually relates to the body’s response to difficulty breathing, not a direct result of mucus production during an asthma attack.