Which complication can arise from untreated long-term asthma?

When long-term asthma remains untreated, several significant complications can develop due to chronic airway inflammation and increased resistance in the lungs. The correct answer encompasses both pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure, which can arise as a result of the ongoing strain placed on the respiratory system.

Pulmonary hypertension can develop because persistent asthma leads to structural changes in the lungs, including vascular remodeling. The chronic hypoxia caused by asthma can elevate the pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to pulmonary hypertension, where the blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed, obstructed, or destroyed.

Respiratory failure is another potential complication stemming from untreated asthma. When the airways are continuously inflamed and obstructed, it can result in inadequate ventilation and gas exchange. In severe cases, this can lead to respiratory failure, a condition where the body cannot maintain proper oxygenation or remove carbon dioxide effectively.

Addressing both pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure highlights the serious consequences of untreated long-term asthma, underscoring the importance of proper management and intervention to prevent these complications.