Which condition is indicated by cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath following exposure to cold air?

The presence of cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath following exposure to cold air is characteristic of asthma. This condition involves chronic inflammation of the airways, which can be triggered by various environmental factors, including cold air. In individuals with asthma, exposure to cold can lead to bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production, contributing to the symptoms observed.

Asthma is often associated with reversible airflow obstruction, meaning that symptoms can improve with bronchodilator treatment. Other triggers may include allergens, exercise, and respiratory infections, but cold air is a well-known irritant specific to this condition.

While bronchitis can also cause coughing and wheezing, it generally refers to inflammation of the bronchi typically due to infection or irritants and does not typically present with exacerbations triggered specifically by cold air. Pneumonia involves inflammation of the lung tissue usually due to infection, presenting more severely with symptoms such as fever, chills, and possibly pleuritic chest pain. Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of the alveoli, leading to airflow limitations, typically associated with a long history of smoking and presenting different respiratory symptoms than those triggered by cold air.