Which symptom is commonly experienced by patients with asthma during an episode?

In patients experiencing an asthma episode, the symptom commonly observed is a prolonged expiratory phase. This occurs because the airway constriction and inflammation characteristic of asthma make it difficult for air to flow out of the lungs. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten, leading to decreased airflow, particularly during expiration. This results in a longer time taken to exhale compared to inhaling, as patients struggle to push out the air that is trapped in the lungs.

When analyzing the other symptoms listed, clear airway would not accurately represent an asthma episode, as the airways are typically obstructed or narrowed. Similarly, a long inspiration phase is not a common feature in asthma; rather, patients usually experience difficulty with expiration, leading to a shorter inhalation phase. Lastly, consistent chest movement would suggest normal respiratory function, which is not the case during an asthma episode as patients often exhibit labored or uneven breathing due to airway constraints.