A member asked:

If i have emphysema, is that the same as chronic bronchitis?

10 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

Not really: While both are forms of copd, chronic bronchitis is characterized by chronic phlegm production. At the lung level, chronic bronchitis is due to swelling and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. In emphysema we see more loss of lung tissue. Emphysema is much more resistant to treatment.

Answered 4/1/2012

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No: Emphysema is loss of elastic recoil in the alveoli (small air sacs).Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes.It might lead to emphysema. The commonest cause is smoking, even other peoples' smoke.

Answered 4/2/2012

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No: Emphysema is loss of alveolar structure in the lung where air exchange takes place. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes which causes increased sputum production. Both can exist at the same time in varying degrees. Together they fall under the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd).

Answered 4/21/2016

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Dr. Sue Ferranti answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

No...: Both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are forms of copd, but they are different diseases.

Answered 6/17/2013

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