MCQs on Respiratory Disorders – Important for Competitive Exams

Introduction

The human respiratory system is one of the most vital systems of the body, responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Any disturbance in this system leads to respiratory disorders, which can range from mild infections like the common cold to severe conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.

For medical entrance tests (NEET, MDCAT, PPSC, CSS, etc.), as well as nursing and allied health exams, MCQs on respiratory disorders are frequently asked. These questions not only test theoretical knowledge but also assess the ability to apply concepts in clinical scenarios.

In this blog, we have compiled 25 important MCQs on respiratory disorders along with answers, to help students prepare effectively for competitive exams.

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Why Respiratory Disorder MCQs are Important?

• Respiratory diseases are common in clinical practice.

• MCQs based on these disorders often appear in biology, medicine, and nursing exams.

• They help students to revise key concepts quickly.

• Practice of such questions boosts problem-solving skills in exams.

 

                    25  MCQs on Respiratory Disorders

1. Which of the following is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
   a) Asthma
   b) Tuberculosis
   c) Emphysema ✅
   d) Pneumonia

2. Which bacteria causes Tuberculosis (TB)?
   a) Streptococcus pneumoniae
   b) Mycobacterium tuberculosis ✅
   c) Haemophilus influenzae
   d) Klebsiella pneumoniae

3. Which of the following is a common symptom of asthma?
   a) Chest pain
   b) Wheezing ✅
   c) Hemoptysis
   d) Clubbing of fingers

4. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for lung cancer?
   a) Smoking
   b) Air pollution
   c) Dust exposure
   d) Regular exercise ✅

5. Which disorder is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls?
   a) Bronchitis
   b) Emphysema ✅
   c) Asthma
   d) Tuberculosis

6. The common cause of pneumonia is:
   a) Virus
   b) Bacteria ✅
   c) Fungi
   d) Parasites

7. Chronic bronchitis is associated with:
   a) Excessive mucus production ✅
   b) Alveolar destruction
   c) Bronchial dilation
   d) Pulmonary embolism

8. Which condition is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers?
   a) Silicosis
   b) Asbestosis ✅
   c) Pneumoconiosis
   d) Fibrosis

9. Pulmonary edema refers to:
   a) Infection in alveoli
   b) Fluid accumulation in alveoli ✅
   c) Inflammation of bronchi
   d) Collapse of lungs

10. Coughing up blood is called:
    a) Hematuria
    b) Hemoptysis ✅
    c) Hematemesis
    d) Hemorrhage

11. Which vitamin deficiency is linked with increased respiratory infections?
    a) Vitamin A ✅
    b) Vitamin D
    c) Vitamin K
    d) Vitamin E

12. Asthma attack can be triggered by:
    a) Dust
    b) Pollen
    c) Cold air
    d) All of these ✅

13. Which of the following is a fungal respiratory infection?
    a) Histoplasmosis ✅
    b) Bronchitis
    c) Emphysema
    d) Asthma

14. Clubbing of fingers is commonly seen in:
    a) Asthma
    b) Lung cancer ✅
    c) Tuberculosis
    d) Acute bronchitis

15. Which disorder involves narrowing of the airways due to inflammation and spasms?
    a) Asthma ✅
    b) Pneumonia
    c) Tuberculosis
    d) Emphysema

16. Which test is commonly used to diagnose Tuberculosis?
    a) Mantoux test ✅
    b) Spirometry
    c) CT scan
    d) Bronchoscopy

17. The main causative agent of whooping cough is:
    a) Bordetella pertussis ✅
    b) Haemophilus influenzae
    c) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
    d) Corynebacterium diphtheriae

18. Which is NOT a symptom of COPD?
    a) Shortness of breath
    b) Chronic cough
    c) Sudden paralysis ✅
    d) Sputum production

19. Sleep apnea is characterized by:
    a) Involuntary coughing
    b) Temporary cessation of breathing during sleep ✅
    c) Wheezing
    d) Fluid in lungs

20. The collapse of part or whole of a lung is called:
    a) Atelectasis ✅
    b) Bronchitis
    c) Pleural effusion
    d) Pulmonary fibrosis

21. Which of the following is an occupational lung disease?
    a) Asthma
    b) Pneumoconiosis ✅
    c) Tuberculosis
    d) Bronchitis

22. COPD mainly includes:
    a) Asthma and Tuberculosis
    b) Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis ✅
    c) Pneumonia and Pleural effusion
    d) Lung cancer and Cystic fibrosis

23. The main cause of cystic fibrosis is:
    a) Viral infection
    b) Genetic mutation ✅
    c) Fungal infection
    d) Smoking

24. Which lung disorder is commonly diagnosed using a "sputum test"?
    a) Emphysema
    b) Tuberculosis ✅
    c) Asthma
    d) Pneumothorax

25. The common sign of pleural effusion is:
    a) Fluid around lungs ✅
    b) Airway constriction
    c) Mucus hypersecretion
    d) Alveolar destruction

 Conclusion

Respiratory disorders are among the most commonly discussed topics in medical and biology exams. A clear understanding of diseases like asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, and tuberculosis helps not only in exams but also in real-life clinical awareness. Practicing MCQs on respiratory disorders ensures quick revision and strengthens memory of important concepts. By solving these questions regularly, students can improve their accuracy and confidence in competitive exams.

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 Study Tips for Respiratory Disorder MCQs

• Revise basics first: Understand the structure and function of the respiratory system before jumping into disorders.

• Focus on keywords: Most MCQs use terms like dyspnea, hypoxia, bronchospasm, hemoptysis – learn their meanings.

• Make short notes: Write down causes, symptoms, and treatments of common disorders for quick revision.

• Practice daily: Solve at least 10–15 MCQs daily to build speed and accuracy.

• Use mnemonics: Learn difficult terms and sequences with memory tricks.

• Revise repeatedly: Go through solved MCQs multiple times; repetition makes concepts stronger.

• Mock tests: Attempt past papers and timed quizzes to simulate exam conditions.