You are answering a USMLE-style medical question. Question: A 60-year-old man with severe persistent asthma since the age of 14 presents with an acute exacerbation of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing over the last several days. His asthmatic symptoms are usually well controlled with regular high-dose inhaled triamcinolone, but over the last week or so he has developed a nocturnal cough and mild wheezing despite good compliance with controller medications. A review of several spirometry reports suggest of bronchial asthma with a partial irreversible airway obstruction. Which of the following is most likely to be associated with the recent loss of asthma control in this patient? Options: A) Airway epithelial shedding B) Airway smooth muscle atrophy C) Airway remodeling D) Airway hyperresponsiveness Reply with ONLY the letter of the correct answer (A, B, C, or D). No explanation.