Questions: Which of the following best describes pertussis? a. Whooping cough b. A non-reversible obstructive lung disease c. A barking cough d. Airways producing a thick mucus that is hard to eliminate

The answer is the first one (a): whooping cough.

Explanation for each option:

a. Whooping cough - This is the correct answer. Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can produce a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.

b. A non-reversible obstructive lung disease - This is incorrect. Non-reversible obstructive lung diseases typically refer to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is not the same as pertussis.

c. A barking cough - This is incorrect. A barking cough is more commonly associated with croup, a different respiratory condition, rather than pertussis.

d. Airways producing a thick mucus that is hard to eliminate - This is incorrect. While pertussis can involve mucus production, this description is more characteristic of conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic bronchitis, not specifically pertussis.

In summary, pertussis is best described as whooping cough.