Which condition is characterized by episodes of wheezing, cough, and dyspnea after exercise in an adolescent?

Asthma is characterized by episodes of wheezing, cough, and dyspnea, especially triggered by physical activity, which is a common occurrence in adolescents. This condition is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that can cause recurrent breathing problems when the airways react to various stimuli, such as exercise, allergens, or respiratory infections.

In exercise-induced bronchoconstriction associated with asthma, physical exertion can lead to narrowing of the airways and increased mucus production, resulting in symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. This makes it distinctively identifiable in individuals who experience these symptoms after exercising.

While cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and bronchitis may also present with respiratory symptoms, they are generally associated with different clinical features or contexts. Cystic fibrosis often presents in younger children with chronic cough and thick mucus production rather than specifically after exercise. Pneumonia typically presents with fever, chest pain, and overall systemic symptoms. Bronchitis can cause a cough but does not usually cause the characteristic wheezing and airway hyperresponsiveness associated with asthma. Thus, the combination of symptoms following exercise fits the diagnosis of asthma accurately.