What chest X-ray finding is commonly associated with asthma?

The finding of a flattened diaphragm on a chest X-ray is commonly associated with asthma. In patients experiencing an asthma attack or severe bronchospasm, hyperinflation of the lungs can occur due to difficulty exhaling fully. As air becomes trapped in the alveoli, the lungs can expand beyond their normal limits, causing the diaphragm to become flattened rather than its usual dome shape. This is particularly visible on an upright chest X-ray and indicates that the patient is utilizing accessory muscles for breathing, leading to the characteristic diaphragm position.

In contrast, the other options present findings associated with different respiratory conditions. Ground-glass opacities are more often seen in diseases such as pneumonia or interstitial lung disease, while patchy infiltrates can be indicative of infection or pulmonary edema. Pleural effusions reflect fluid accumulation in the pleural space, which is not inherently associated with asthma. Each of these findings provides different insights into underlying pathologies, which underscores the importance of accurate interpretation when assessing chest X-rays.