Which finding might suggest bronchitis rather than asthma in a patient?

The indication of excessive sputum production is a characteristic finding more closely associated with bronchitis than asthma. In bronchitis, especially in chronic cases, patients typically present with persistent cough and a significant amount of sputum that can be clear, yellow, or greenish in color. This symptom arises as the airways become inflamed and produce mucus in response to irritants or infections.

In contrast, while asthma can also involve coughing and sputum production, it generally manifests more in the form of bronchospasm rather than excessive mucus production. Asthma is characterized by airway hyperreactivity and inflammation but does not typically present with the same volume of sputum as seen in bronchitis.

The other options, such as night cough, dyspnea on exertion, and wheezing, can occur in both conditions but are not exclusive to bronchitis. Night cough can suggest either condition depending on the context, and dyspnea on exertion and wheezing are hallmark features of asthma exacerbations. Therefore, excessive sputum production stands out as a distinguishing symptom that leans more toward a diagnosis of bronchitis.