Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms that are typically due to airflow limitation. One of the hallmark symptoms of COPD is a chronic cough. This cough is often productive, meaning it may produce sputum or phlegm, and arises from prolonged irritation and inflammation of the airways due to exposure to harmful substances like tobacco smoke or pollutants.

The chronic cough associated with COPD is not only a response to airway obstruction but also plays a role in the body's attempt to clear mucus and irritants from the lungs. Over time, this symptom becomes more prominent, and patients with COPD often experience it on a daily basis, which distinguishes it from other respiratory conditions that may present with acute or intermittent coughing.

Other symptoms related to COPD may include wheezing, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections, but the chronic cough is a defining characteristic of the disease. In contrast, the other options presented do not align closely with the typical symptoms experienced by individuals with COPD and are more indicative of other health issues.