What respiratory condition is characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath?

Asthma is characterized by episodes of wheezing and shortness of breath due to the narrowing and inflammation of the airways. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways contract, leading to bronchoconstriction, excessive mucus production, and airway inflammation, which makes breathing difficult. Wheezing, a high-pitched sound produced during exhalation as air passes through narrowed airways, is a classic symptom of asthma. Additionally, shortness of breath is a common experience during these episodes, as the airways become increasingly obstructed.

In contrast, while conditions like COPD or emphysema can also produce wheezing and shortness of breath, they typically present with different patterns and additional symptoms, particularly in regards to chronicity and the nature of the airflow obstruction. Pneumonia is primarily associated with productive cough, fever, and more systemic symptoms rather than the episodic respiratory distress characteristic of asthma. Hence, asthma distinctly aligns with the symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath as described in the question.