Which of the following is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the irreversible obstruction of airflow?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction due to conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This is because COPD causes damage to the airways and alveoli, leading to decreased airflow. Asthma (B) is a chronic inflammatory disease with reversible airflow obstruction. Pulmonary edema (C) is caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing but is not characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction. Bronchiectasis (D) involves the widening and scarring of the airways, leading to recurrent infections, but it is not specifically characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction.