2025 Registered Electrical Engineering Licensure Complete Practice Exam

The major symptom of type A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), specifically emphysema, is dyspnea, which refers to difficulty or labored breathing. In emphysema, the walls of the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange. This results in the lungs becoming less efficient at oxygenating the blood and expelling carbon dioxide. As a consequence, individuals with emphysema often experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activities or when exerting themselves.

Dyspnea is particularly prominent in emphysema patients because their ability to exhale fully is compromised. The destruction of lung tissue impairs airflow, causing a feeling of breathlessness that can progressively worsen over time. This symptom is critical in diagnosing and managing the disease, as it impacts the patient's overall quality of life and functional capacity.

While wheezing, coughing, and fatigue can also be present in emphysema, they are not as defining as dyspnea. Wheezing is more commonly associated with other airway obstructions, coughing may not be as pronounced in emphysema compared to chronic bronchitis, and fatigue often results from the body's increased effort in breathing. However, dyspnea stands out as the hallmark