COPD: Differences Between Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema

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by Wendy Henderson |

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In this video from Armando Hasudungan shared in October 2015, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is discussed using two metaphors: blue bloaters and pink puffers.

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The” blue bloaters” represent those who have chronic bronchitis and the “pink puffers” represent patients with emphysema. Hasudungan describes both diseases and how they affect the lungs of patients. Patients with chronic bronchitis will have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, excessive mucus production and wheezing which can lead to pulmonary hypertension. Patients with emphysema have symptoms such as a barrel chest, enlarged lungs, shortness of breath, and weight loss.

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