What condition best accounts for a 16-year-old boy's shortness of breath and cough during sports?

Exercise-induced asthma is the most appropriate condition to account for the 16-year-old boy's shortness of breath and cough during sports. This condition is characterized by bronchoconstriction that occurs during or after exercise, particularly in individuals who may have an underlying predisposition to asthma.

In young athletes, symptoms can be triggered by factors such as cold air, high pollen counts, or even the intensity of physical activity. The classic presentation includes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, often worsening during or after the exercise session.

In this case, the age and activity level of the boy, combined with the specific symptoms experienced during sports, strongly suggest exercise-induced asthma as a likely diagnosis. Early recognition and management, including the use of bronchodilators before exercise, are important for preventing symptoms and allowing the athlete to participate fully in sports.