Which of the following findings is indicative of bronchial asthma?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

In the context of bronchial asthma, Curschmann's spirals are characteristic findings that stem from the condition. These spirals are formed from the shedding of the epithelium and the accumulation of mucus within the airways. They are essentially mucus plugs that have been twisted into spiral shapes due to the constriction and hyperreactivity of the bronchi seen in asthma.

Asthma is marked by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production. The presence of Curschmann's spirals is significant because it highlights the mucus overproduction and the narrowing of the airways, which are hallmarks of asthma. Recognizing these structures in sputum can suggest an asthmatic process.

While eosinophilic infiltration is also associated with asthma, it does not provide the same specific indication as Curschmann's spirals, which are more unique to the condition. Type 2 pneumocyte hyperplasia is related to other pulmonary conditions and is not specific to asthma. Bronchiectasis, on the other hand, represents a different pathology involving abnormal dilatation of the bronchi, which can contribute to chronic cough but is not a feature of classic bronchial asthma.

Thus, Curschmann's spir

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