The resolution of wheezing after administering a bronchodilator suggests what type of airway abnormality?

The resolution of wheezing after the administration of a bronchodilator indicates that the primary issue was likely bronchospasm. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways, effectively opening them up and allowing for easier airflow. When wheezing is present, it suggests that the airways are narrowed, often due to bronchoconstriction, which is characteristic of bronchospasm.

When a bronchodilator successfully alleviates wheezing, it reinforces the idea that the airway narrowing was primarily due to this muscle contraction. This is commonly seen in respiratory conditions where bronchospasm is a prominent feature, such as asthma or certain types of COPD exacerbations, but the key takeaway is that the wheezing resolved specifically due to the relaxation effects of the bronchodilator, pointing to bronchospasm as the underlying cause.

In contrast, airway abnormalities due to mucus obstruction or structural damage would not typically resolve with a bronchodilator, as these conditions require different interventions to address the underlying pathology.