What are the primary symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

The primary symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include shortness of breath and a chronic cough. These symptoms arise due to the progressive nature of the disease, which primarily affects airflow in the lungs and results in difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity. A chronic cough is also common as it often reflects the body's attempt to clear mucus that builds up in the airways due to inflammation and damage.

Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of COPD and can worsen over time, particularly during activities that require exertion. People with COPD may also experience wheezing and chest tightness as their condition progresses.

In contrast, other symptoms listed in the other choices relate to different health conditions. Chest pain and fever may indicate infections or other medical issues rather than being specific for COPD. Night sweats and weight loss could suggest systemic illnesses like cancer or tuberculosis, while frequent headaches and dizziness are not characteristic of COPD but may indicate issues unrelated to respiratory function. Thus, the specificity of shortness of breath and chronic cough makes them the defining symptoms of COPD.