Which statement best describes the relationship between COPD and smoking?

Which statement best describes the relationship between COPD and smoking?

• A. Not related to smoking
• B. Only long-term smoking increases risk
• C. Associated with long history of smoking
• D. Caused by smoking but then resolves

Answer: (C)

The relationship being tested is that COPD is driven by tobacco exposure, with risk increasing as cumulative smoking history grows. A long history of smoking best captures this idea because the damage to airways and lung tissue accrues over years of use; the more someone has smoked over time, the higher the likelihood of developing COPD. It’s not accurate to say COPD is unrelated to smoking, nor that only long-term smoking increases risk (other factors can contribute and some smokers may not develop COPD), and it’s incorrect that COPD caused by smoking resolves on its own (the airway damage is not fully reversible, though stopping smoking can slow progression).

The relationship being tested is that COPD is driven by tobacco exposure, with risk increasing as cumulative smoking history grows. A long history of smoking best captures this idea because the damage to airways and lung tissue accrues over years of use; the more someone has smoked over time, the higher the likelihood of developing COPD. It’s not accurate to say COPD is unrelated to smoking, nor that only long-term smoking increases risk (other factors can contribute and some smokers may not develop COPD), and it’s incorrect that COPD caused by smoking resolves on its own (the airway damage is not fully reversible, though stopping smoking can slow progression).