Medical Emergencies · single question
A smoking patient presents with a 'barrel chest.' What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
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Correct answer: A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A 'barrel chest' (increased AP diameter due to air trapping/hyperinflation) combined with smoking history is pathognomonic for COPD (emphysema component). Chronic smoking destroys alveolar walls → loss of elasticity → air trapping → barrel chest. Asthma can cause this during exacerbations but not chronically. TB causes cavitary lesions. Fibrosis causes restriction.
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