Sputum samples may contain Curschmann's spirals and Charcot-Leyden crystals in which condition?

• A. Chronic bronchitis
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Severe asthma
• D. Adenocarcinoma

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that certain sputum findings reflect eosinophilic, allergic-type airway inflammation seen in asthma. Curschmann's spirals are mucus plugs formed by shed epithelium and mucus in small bronchi, typical of asthma where there is bronchial plugging. Charcot-Leyden crystals arise from eosinophil breakdown and are a manifestation of eosinophilic inflammation common in allergic conditions. When both are found together in sputum, they point to severe asthma, where mucus production and eosinophilic activity are prominent. Other conditions listed don’t usually produce this combination of sputum features.