Which pathology characteristic is NOT associated with asthma?

Chest tightness is a common symptom experienced by individuals with asthma, but it is not classified as a pathology characteristic. Pathology characteristics refer to the physical changes and conditions within the body that relate directly to the disease process.

In the context of asthma, mucous plugging, bronchospasm, and oedema are all recognizable pathological features. Mucous plugging occurs when excess mucus production leads to obstruction of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Bronchospasm is the tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, leading to narrowed passages and increased resistance to airflow. Oedema refers to swelling due to fluid accumulation in the airways, which can further contribute to obstruction and difficulty in breathing.

In contrast, chest tightness is a subjective symptom, experienced by patients as a feeling of pressure in the chest, but it does not represent a measurable pathological change or characteristic in the way that the other options do. Therefore, it is accurately identified as not being a pathology characteristic associated with asthma.