clinical features of emphysema
Last reviewed 11/2023
The clinical features of 'pure' emphysema include:
- dyspnoea
- pursed-lip breathing
- the absence of cyanosis
- tachypnoea
- thin and often elderly patient
- scanty sputum production
- chest hyperinflation
- reduced breath sounds - quietest over bullae
- cor pulmonale is infrequent, but usually terminal
Emphysema is usually accompanied by other lung disease such as chronic bronchitis; this is the familiar picture of chronic obstructive airways disease.