Final answer:
The symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing up mucus, and a barrel-shaped chest with emphysema, so the answer is D. all of the above. Emphysema is a form of COPD typically caused by smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include shortness of breath, coughing up mucus, and in the case of emphysema, a notable barrel-shaped chest.
COPD is characterized by chronic poor airflow, leading to difficulty breathing and a chronic cough with phlegm. The condition worsens over time and may result in daily activities becoming increasingly challenging due to respiratory limitations. Emphysema, a type of COPD caused by the breakdown of lung tissue, particularly the alveoli, results in a reduced surface area for gas exchange and can manifest physically as a barrel-shaped chest due to trapped air. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema and COPD, with additional contributing factors such as air pollution and genetics playing smaller roles. While treatments like inhaled bronchodilators and supplemental oxygen can reduce symptoms, there is no cure for COPD except for lung transplantation in severe cases.