Which of the following is a common COPD manifestation?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Weight loss
• C. Cough with sputum production
• D. Edema

Answer: (B)

Dyspnea on exertion is the most common manifestation of COPD because the primary problem in COPD is airflow limitation and air trapping, which makes even ordinary activity progressively harder and leads to shortness of breath as the disease develops. A chronic productive cough is also common, especially in the chronic bronchitis phenotype, but not every patient experiences a prominent cough. Weight loss can occur in advanced COPD due to increased work of breathing, reduced intake, and systemic inflammation, but it is not the typical presenting feature for most patients. Edema isn’t a COPD-specific symptom; when it appears, it often signals right-sided heart strain or another condition rather than COPD alone.