COPD is primarily characterized by:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways. This inflammation leads to structural changes in the lungs, resulting in obstructed airflow that is not fully reversible. The damage caused by long-term exposure to irritants, particularly cigarette smoke, leads to persistent symptoms and a progressive decline in lung function.

In COPD, the chronic inflammation is crucial because it contributes to airway narrowing and mucus hypersecretion, further exacerbating breathing difficulties. Unlike asthma, which is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, COPD represents a more permanent condition affecting the airways due to this ongoing inflammatory process.

Other options, while they may describe different respiratory conditions or complications, do not accurately capture the primary characteristic of COPD, which centers on the chronic nature of airway inflammation and its impact on lung function.