Question 8 (2 points) Which statement does NOT accurately characterize asthma? Asthma only occurs in children; in adults, it is called emphysema. The asthma attack starts with a triggering of the inflammatory cascade. Asthma is a syndrome that recurs when an individual is exposed to an allergen or irritant. Bronchospasm and mucus accumulation in the airways cause a wheezing sound when breathing..