Questions: 16) The diagnostic term for a chronic respiratory disease characterized by paroxysms of coughing, wheezing, panting with shortness of breath is: pertussis influenza asthma croup

The answer is the third one (asthma): the diagnostic term for a chronic respiratory disease characterized by paroxysms of coughing, wheezing, panting with shortness of breath is asthma.

Explanation for each option:

• Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, it is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes severe coughing fits but is not typically characterized by chronic wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Influenza: Commonly known as the flu, it is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system but is usually acute rather than chronic and does not typically cause wheezing.
• Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition marked by episodes (paroxysms) of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
• Croup: A viral infection that causes swelling of the airways, leading to a distinctive barking cough, but it is usually seen in children and is not a chronic condition.

Summary: The diagnostic term for a chronic respiratory disease characterized by paroxysms of coughing, wheezing, panting with shortness of breath is asthma.