What is a distinguishing characteristic of a "pink puffer" in emphysema?

A distinguishing characteristic of a "pink puffer," which refers to a type of emphysema patient, is hyperventilation and pursed-lip breathing. This term reflects the typical appearance and breathing pattern seen in these individuals. People with emphysema often struggle with airflow obstruction due to the destruction of the alveoli, leading to difficulties in exhaling air. To compensate for this, they tend to breathe rapidly and deeply, which is known as hyperventilation. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique they may adopt to help regulate breathing and maintain airway patency, allowing for more effective gas exchange and prolonging exhalation.

In contrast, options that center around hypoventilation and cyanosis are typically associated with "blue bloaters" (a classification of chronic bronchitis), where patients may experience more severe respiratory issues and lower oxygen levels. Significant weight gain and obesity is more characteristic of patients with chronic bronchitis, where fluid retention occurs. Frequent respiratory infections are also more common in chronic bronchitis due to the ongoing irritation and obstruction of the airways, rather than in patients primarily experiencing emphysema. Therefore, the combination of hyperventilation and pursed-lip breathing distinctly identifies the "pink puffer" phenotype in