Wheezing or trouble breathing and swelling of the lips are signs that a person is having a reaction to which of the following?

• A. A viral cold
• B. An allergen (such as a food or insect sting)
• C. A bacterial infection
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the symptoms described in the problem: wheezing, trouble breathing, and swelling of the lips. These are indicative of an immune system response, often associated with an allergic reaction.
2. Recall that allergens (e.g., certain foods, insect stings, or environmental triggers) can cause the immune system to overreact, leading to symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
3. Differentiate between the options provided: A viral cold typically causes symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and mild fever, but not severe swelling or breathing difficulties. A bacterial infection may cause localized pain, fever, or pus formation, but it does not usually cause these specific symptoms. Dehydration primarily leads to symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness, not swelling or breathing issues.
4. Recognize that the symptoms described in the problem are consistent with an allergic reaction, which occurs when the immune system releases histamines and other chemicals in response to an allergen.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'An allergen (such as a food or insect sting)' because it matches the symptoms described in the problem.