Which statement describes morning COPD symptoms?

Which statement describes morning COPD symptoms?

• A. Accumulated pulmonary secretions.
• B. Afternoon fatigue.
• C. Nighttime meals.
• D. Exercise in the morning.

Answer: (A)

Morning COPD symptoms reflect mucus accumulation due to impaired clearance overnight. When you lie down to sleep, ciliary activity slows and secretions pool in the airways, so you wake with a productive cough as the accumulated secretions are expelled. This is why saying there are accumulated pulmonary secretions fits morning symptoms best. The other options don’t describe what’s typical in the morning: afternoon fatigue is not specific to the start of the day, nighttime meals aren’t related to COPD symptoms, and exercising in the morning describes a behavior, not a symptom.

Morning COPD symptoms reflect mucus accumulation due to impaired clearance overnight. When you lie down to sleep, ciliary activity slows and secretions pool in the airways, so you wake with a productive cough as the accumulated secretions are expelled. This is why saying there are accumulated pulmonary secretions fits morning symptoms best. The other options don’t describe what’s typical in the morning: afternoon fatigue is not specific to the start of the day, nighttime meals aren’t related to COPD symptoms, and exercising in the morning describes a behavior, not a symptom.