Emphysema vs Chronic Bronchitis

Usual Presentation: Shortness of breath and scant sputum production

Emphysema

General Appearance: Thin, sometimes cachectic, with rosy skin tones

Emphysema

Adventitious Sounds: Less common/absent

Emphysema

Sputum: Scanty, mucoid (evaporated milk)

Emphysema

Cough: Dyspnea before cough (less prominent)

Emphysema

Cor Pulmonae: Rare, except at the late stages

Emphysema

Radiographic Findings:

• Hyper-inflated lungs

• Small heart

• Diaphragm low and flat

• +/- Bullae (pockets of air)

Emphysema

Other findings:

• Barrel chest

• Use of accessory muscles for respiration

Emphysema

Usual Presentation: Chronic productive cough

Chronic Bronchitis

General Appearance: Often overweight, obese

Chronic Bronchitis

Adventitious Sounds: Ronchi and wheezes

Chronic Bronchitis

Sputum: Copious, Purulent (Condensed milk)

Chronic Bronchitis

Cough: Cough before dyspnea (more prominent)

Chronic Bronchitis

Cor Pulmonae: More prominent

Chronic Bronchitis

Radiographic Findings:

• Normal sized lungs

• (R) Ventricular hypertrophy

• Normal shaped diaphragm

• (+) Dirty lung appearance

Chronic Bronchitis

Other Findings:

• Cyanotic

• Peripheral edema

Chronic Bronchitis