Which of the following is a common effect of histamine release during an asthma attack?

The common effect of histamine release during an asthma attack is airway inflammation. Histamine is a potent mediator involved in the allergic response and is released by mast cells during an asthma attack. This release leads to several physiological changes, including the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in vascular permeability, which results in inflammation of the airways.

Inflammation causes swelling and narrowing of the air passages, leading to obstructed airflow and difficulty breathing, which are characteristic symptoms experienced during an asthma attack. This inflammation also heightens the airway’s sensitivity and reactivity to various triggers, exacerbating the asthma condition.

In contrast, increased lung capacity, improved gas exchange, and decreased mucus production do not typically occur during an asthma attack. Instead, the inflammation and mucus secretion usually lead to reduced airflow and impaired gas exchange, demonstrating that the airway response to histamine is primarily inflammatory rather than beneficial.