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Ok, COPD. So...emphysema or bronchitis?

User Oferiko
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

COPD is associated with both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis refers to the symptoms of COPD, specifically a chronic cough that produces phlegm. Emphysema refers to the lung changes that occur with COPD, such as the breakdown of connective tissues in the alveoli.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by chronic poor airflow. The term chronic bronchitis is used to refer to the symptoms of COPD, such as a chronic cough that produces phlegm. On the other hand, the term emphysema is used to refer to the lung changes that occur with COPD, specifically the breakdown of connective tissues that reduces the number and elasticity of alveoli, leading to trapped air in the lungs and hampered gas exchange. Therefore, both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are associated with COPD, with chronic bronchitis referring to the symptoms and emphysema referring to the lung changes.

User El Hoss
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