Which of the following is NOT a symptom of joint inflammation?

The choice indicating difficulty breathing is not a symptom of joint inflammation because this condition primarily affects the joints and surrounding tissues rather than the respiratory system. Joint inflammation is typically associated with symptoms that directly impact the affected joints, such as swelling, pain during movement, and a decreased range of motion.

Swollen joints occur due to the accumulation of fluid and inflammatory cells within the joint space, which is a hallmark of inflammatory processes. Pain during movement arises as the inflamed tissues can cause discomfort or tenderness when the joint is used, reflecting the body's response to injury or irritation. Furthermore, a decreased range of motion is often a direct result of pain and swelling, as the body instinctively protects the joint from further injury, leading to stiffness and limited mobility.

In contrast, difficulty breathing is usually associated with conditions affecting the respiratory system, rather than joint issues, which distinguishes it from the other symptoms listed. This illustrates that while joint inflammation leads to specific symptoms related to joint function, difficulty breathing pertains to completely different medical conditions.