National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Tobacco use is a primary risk factor for developing which of the following conditions?

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

2. Atherosclerosis

3. Thromboangiitis obliterans

4. Asthma exacerbation

The correct answer is: Thromboangiitis obliterans

Tobacco use is indeed a significant risk factor for thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger's disease. This is an uncommon condition characterized by blood vessel inflammation that leads to decreased blood flow to the limbs, typically seen in smokers. The direct connection between smoking and this disease emphasizes how tobacco smoke contributes to vascular and inflammatory processes. In the context of thromboangiitis obliterans, tobacco use aggravates the underlying mechanisms, such as vascular inflammation and thrombosis, leading to symptoms like pain in the arms and legs and, ultimately, potential tissue damage. This condition primarily affects young men who smoke heavily. While other conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis, and asthma exacerbation are also influenced by tobacco use, they do not specifically identify the same extent of association as thromboangiitis obliterans, making it a more precise answer in this instance.