A 62-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents with chronic productive cough and dyspnea. His FEV1/FVC ratio is reduced. Which pathologic change is most characteristic of chronic bronchitis?
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Correct answer: Mucus gland hyperplasia
Chronic bronchitis is defined by chronic productive cough with mucus gland enlargement and increased goblet cells. This leads to airway narrowing and obstructive physiology.
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