Which of the following is a symptom of emphysema?

Shortness of breath is a primary symptom of emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema destroys the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which leads to a reduction in the surface area available for gas exchange. As a result, patients often experience difficulty breathing, especially during physical activities. This progressive shortness of breath occurs because the lungs are less efficient in oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide, causing feelings of breathlessness.

While other symptoms like coughing with mucus and wheezing can occur in different respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma, they are not characteristic of emphysema. Chest pain may be associated with various other medical issues but is not a defining symptom of emphysema itself.