24th August 2020

A 50-year-old man has been suffering from chronic productive cough, which has been progressively worsening in the last few months

A 50-year-old man has been suffering from a chronic productive cough, which has been progressively worsening in the last few months. He is a regular smoker but has no allergies. There are no signs of fever or any other respiratory symptoms.  He recalls having had a cold a couple of weeks earlier.

On examination, he is eupnoeic; his heart rate is normal and peripheral oedema is absent. At auscultation, diffuse rhonchi can be heard. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.