chronic bronchitis vs emphysema

emphysema

a chronic, irreversible disease of the lungs characterized by abnormal enlargement of air spaces in the lungs

• alveolar walls are destroyed

• due to pollutants and smoking, genetic (Alpha1 anti-trypsin deficiency)

signs and symptoms of emphysema

• barrel chest

• cyanosis

• increased respiratory rate

• dyspnea on exertion

• weight loss

• cor pulmonale

• SOB

• orthopnea (only able to breath in the upright position) immediately after

• chronic cough

• use of accessory muscles of respiration

• prolonged expiratory period (with grunting)

• wheezing

• pursed lip breathing

chronic bronchitis

• associated with prolonged exposure to non-specific bronchial irritants like cigarette smoking

• productive cough for 3 months for 2 months consecutive years

• mucopruluent sputum

signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis

• persistent cough with production of sputum (worse in the morning and evening than midday)

• decreased chest expansion

• dyspnea (SOB)

• wheezing

• fever

• decreased exercise tolerance

• cyanosis (blue discoloration of skin and mucous membranes)