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Chronic Bronchitis is characterized by excessive mucus production amd its pooling in lower respiratory passage ways, which severely impairs ventilation and gas exchange. Patients may become cyanotic as a result of chronic hypoxia. They are called "blue bloaters" because hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention occur early in disease.

Emphysema is characterized by permanent enlargement and destruction of alveoli. The lungs lose their elasticity and expiration become an active process called "pink puffers." Symptoms don't show up til later in the disease.

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13y ago

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