Which condition is marked by a rapid onset of shortness of breath and wheezing?

The condition characterized by a rapid onset of shortness of breath and wheezing is indeed an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and narrow due to various triggers such as allergens, exercise, or irritants. This inflammation leads to increased mucus production and bronchoconstriction, resulting in the classic symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing. The acute nature of these symptoms is a hallmark of asthma attacks, distinguishing it from other respiratory conditions.

In contrast, pneumonia typically develops more gradually and is accompanied by other signs such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Chronic bronchitis, while it can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing, generally presents with chronic cough and sputum production, and symptoms tend to escalate over time rather than occur suddenly. Pulmonary embolism, although it can cause sudden shortness of breath, often presents with pain and may include symptoms such as hemoptysis, and does not typically feature wheezing as one of its primary characteristics. Thus, the symptoms described align most closely with an asthma attack.