How does an irritant affect the body?

An irritant primarily affects the body by inflaming the respiratory system. When an irritant is inhaled, it can cause an inflammatory response, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This is due to the airways becoming swollen and producing excess mucus, which can obstruct airflow and lead to discomfort or breathing difficulties. The inflammation is part of the body’s defense mechanism, attempting to protect itself from harmful substances.

The other choices, while they may represent different effects that certain substances can have, do not align with the specific action of irritants on the body. For instance, the sensation of numbness refers to other types of substances that affect nerve function, drowsiness is typically linked to depressants, and adrenaline release is more commonly associated with stimulants or stress responses rather than irritants.