Which condition may result from the development of tolerance to beta-agonist medications?

The development of tolerance to beta-agonist medications can lead to an increased risk of asthma attacks. When patients use beta-agonists, such as albuterol, frequently, their bodies may become less responsive to the medication over time. This is referred to as tolerance, which means that the initial therapeutic effects, including bronchodilation, may diminish. As a result, patients might find that they need to use more of the medication to achieve the same relief of bronchospasm. If tolerance continues to develop, it can lead to inadequate control of asthma symptoms, resulting in an increased frequency of asthma attacks.

In contrast, heightened effectiveness of bronchodilators is not seen with tolerance; instead, the opposite occurs, where the medication becomes less effective. Decreased mucus production is not a direct result of tolerance to beta-agonists but rather can be influenced by other factors and medications. A stronger immune response is not related to beta-agonists and is not affected by their usage. Thus, the correct choice aligns with the implications of developing tolerance in the context of asthma management.