A 62-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated for Shortness of Breath

A 62-year-old man is evaluated for shortness of breath.  During pulmonary function testing, the patient performs a forceful and complete exhalation after maximal inhalation.  The results (red curve) are compared to a healthy individual of the same age and sex (black curve) , as shown in the image below: Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's dyspnea?

A) Adult-onset asthma
B) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
C) Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
D) Unable to determine without bronchodilator testing

Correct Answer:

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