What is a common clinical manifestation of COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and is often accompanied by significant respiratory complications. One of the hallmark clinical manifestations of COPD is respiratory acidosis, which occurs due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream from impaired gas exchange. In COPD, airflow obstruction prevents the effective exhalation of CO2, leading to its buildup and causing the blood pH to drop, resulting in acidosis.

Patients with COPD may present with symptoms such as chronic cough, wheezing, and dyspnea, along with signs of respiratory distress. Over time, the inability to adequately ventilate the lungs can result in the retention of CO2, promoting respiratory acidosis as the body struggles to maintain acid-base homeostasis.

In contrast, other options like respiratory alkalosis typically result from hyperventilation, which is not common in COPD due to decreased lung function. Increased lung capacity is also inconsistent with the disease's nature, as COPD generally leads to a reduced ability to breathe in and out effectively. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is a key clinical manifestation indicative of the pathophysiological changes occurring in COPD.