From the Greek for “inflation,” emphysema is an obstructive respiratory disorder characterized by air trapped in overdistended alveoli and by collapse of bronchioles on expiration, causing prolonged expiratory outflow.
The lungs are hyperresonant on chest percussion. Even if disease is severe, patient maintains a normal gas exchange and often has an elevated hematocrit; thus, the term “pink puffer” is often applied
15 Oct 23