What is a common characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

The selection of progressive airflow limitation as a characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accurate because COPD is defined by a persistent and progressive decline in lung function. This condition is primarily characterized by the lungs' reduced ability to exhale air, leading to an overall decrease in airflow. Over time, the disease results in increasing difficulty in breathing and airflow, even during minimal exertion.

The progression of airflow limitation in COPD is closely tied to the continuation of risk factors, most commonly tobacco smoke, but also environmental pollutants and occupational exposures. Unlike some other respiratory conditions that may experience reversible airway obstruction, such as asthma, the airflow limitation in COPD is generally not reversible and worsens with disease progression.

The other choices describe characteristics that do not align with the established understanding of COPD. Reversible airway obstruction would suggest a condition where airflow can improve significantly with treatment, which is not typical for COPD. A non-progressive lung disease contradicts the defining traits of COPD, as it inherently involves a progressive decline. Lastly, normal lung function tests would not take place in a patient with COPD; instead, lung function tests typically show reduced forced expiratory volume and a reduced ratio of FEV1 to FVC, indicating compromised lung function. Therefore, identifying