ROSH Geriatrics Practice Test

A productive cough is a hallmark symptom of chronic bronchitis, especially in patients with a significant smoking history. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the airways and an increase in mucus production. This leads to a cough that produces sputum, often described as "productive," which is typically present for three months or more within two consecutive years, as defined by the criteria for chronic bronchitis. The presence of a productive cough indicates that the airways are not just inflamed, but they are also producing excess mucus, which is a key feature of the condition.

In contrast, a dry cough would not suggest chronic bronchitis, as that condition typically involves mucus production. Wheezing without tightness could indicate other respiratory issues but does not specifically point toward chronic bronchitis, as wheezing often implies obstruction and not necessarily the presence of chronic bronchitis. Shortness of breath occurring only during exercise may be encountered in various respiratory conditions but again is not indicative of the ongoing cough and mucus production that defines chronic bronchitis. Therefore, productive cough stands out as the most relevant symptom in this context.