Which statement describes COPD?

• A. It is a temporary condition resolved by rest.
• B. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; main cause is long-term exposure to irritants.
• C. It is a disease affecting the lungs with acute symptoms only.
• D. It is limited to coughing with no breathing difficulties.

Answer: (B)

COPD is a chronic, progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, with long-term exposure to irritants as the main cause. This description captures the essence of COPD: it’s not a temporary illness, it involves persistent problems with airflow, and it typically results from long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or occupational pollutants. The emphasis on chronic bronchitis and emphysema reflects the two main conditions that make up COPD, and recognizing long-term irritant exposure as a primary driver explains why the disease develops and persists.

Other statements fall short because COPD is not a temporary condition resolved by rest, it does not consist only of acute symptoms, and it is not limited to coughing with no breathing difficulties—breathlessness and ongoing airflow limitation are key features.