Which statement accurately describes the adrenal connection to bronchial constriction?

• A. Excess cortisol and epinephrine
• B. Insufficient cortisol and epinephrine
• C. Normal cortisol levels
• D. Increased aldosterone

Answer: (B)

Bronchial tone is influenced by adrenal hormones, especially epinephrine which directly promotes bronchodilation through beta-2 receptors, and cortisol which supports the body’s response by enabling catecholamine action and dampening airway inflammation. When both cortisol and epinephrine are insufficient, there’s less bronchodilatory signaling and more airway inflammation, tipping the balance toward bronchial constriction. That combination best explains a state of bronchial constriction related to adrenal function.

Excess cortisol and epinephrine would favor bronchodilation rather than constriction; normal cortisol levels would not inherently cause constriction; and aldosterone mainly regulates fluid and electrolyte balance, not airway smooth muscle tone.