Which medical condition requires caution with OC spray use?

• A. Asthma
• B. Diabetes
• C. Hypertension
• D. Arthritis

Answer: (A)

Asthma is the condition that creates the risk here because OC spray irritates the airways. The capsaicinoids in pepper spray provoke irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can trigger coughing and bronchospasm. For someone with asthma, this irritation can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, or even an asthma attack, so caution is essential and exposure should be avoided if possible. The other conditions listed—diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis—don’t inherently increase the immediate respiratory risk from OC spray, so they don’t carry the same acute warning in this context. If exposure does occur, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult.