COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Q. What is a Pink Puffer? What is Type A COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulomonary Disease (COPD) patients have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, a patient will typically be classified as either suffering primarily from one or the other. Patients suffering primarily from emphysema are referred to as "pink puffers", while patients suffering primarily from chronic bronchitis are referred to as "blue bloaters".
A. The term "pink puffer" is derived from the reddish complexion and the "puffing" (hyperventilation) seen in patients suffering from Type A Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Signs and Symptoms of Pink Puffers
A pink puffer is typically thin and breathes with pursed lips. A pink puffer has tachypnoeic (increased respiratory rate) and experiences breathing difficulty. A pink puffer suffers primarily from emphysema.
Prognosis for Pink Puffers
Prognosis for pink puffers is better than for blue bloaters
Chronic Obstructive Pulomonary Disease (COPD) patients have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, a patient will typically be classified as either suffering primarily from one or the other. Patients suffering primarily from chronic bronchitis are referred to as "blue bloaters", while patients suffering primarily from emphysema are referred to as "pink puffers".
B. The term "blue bloater" is derived from the bluish color of the lips and skin commonly seen in patients suffering from Type B Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Signs and Symptoms of Blue Bloaters
A blue bloater has a history of cough with sputum for 3 months to one year or more. A blue bloater experiences cyanosis due to a decrease in sufficient amounts of oxygen reaching the blood. Ankles and legs may be swollen and distention in the neck veins may be apparent. A blue bloater primarily suffers from chronic bronchitis. Blue bloaters develop signs of right-sided heart failure.
Prognosis for Blue Bloaters
Prognosis for blue bloaters is poor.
Most blue bloaters die within 2 to 4 years. The only treatment shown to improve prognosis in the blue bloater is long-term oxygen therapy at home using concentrators
For more information click on the link below
http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/termsdefinitions/f/bluebloater.htm
Chronic Obstructive Pulomonary Disease (COPD) patients have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, a patient will typically be classified as either suffering primarily from one or the other. Patients suffering primarily from emphysema are referred to as "pink puffers", while patients suffering primarily from chronic bronchitis are referred to as "blue bloaters".
A. The term "pink puffer" is derived from the reddish complexion and the "puffing" (hyperventilation) seen in patients suffering from Type A Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Signs and Symptoms of Pink Puffers
A pink puffer is typically thin and breathes with pursed lips. A pink puffer has tachypnoeic (increased respiratory rate) and experiences breathing difficulty. A pink puffer suffers primarily from emphysema.
Prognosis for Pink Puffers
Prognosis for pink puffers is better than for blue bloaters
Chronic Obstructive Pulomonary Disease (COPD) patients have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, a patient will typically be classified as either suffering primarily from one or the other. Patients suffering primarily from chronic bronchitis are referred to as "blue bloaters", while patients suffering primarily from emphysema are referred to as "pink puffers".
B. The term "blue bloater" is derived from the bluish color of the lips and skin commonly seen in patients suffering from Type B Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Signs and Symptoms of Blue Bloaters
A blue bloater has a history of cough with sputum for 3 months to one year or more. A blue bloater experiences cyanosis due to a decrease in sufficient amounts of oxygen reaching the blood. Ankles and legs may be swollen and distention in the neck veins may be apparent. A blue bloater primarily suffers from chronic bronchitis. Blue bloaters develop signs of right-sided heart failure.
Prognosis for Blue Bloaters
Prognosis for blue bloaters is poor.
Most blue bloaters die within 2 to 4 years. The only treatment shown to improve prognosis in the blue bloater is long-term oxygen therapy at home using concentrators
For more information click on the link below
http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/termsdefinitions/f/bluebloater.htm
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I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
it must be 2 to 4 years from when it gets to end stage. i hope so.i am going to ask my doctor if im pink or blue puffer , im sure he will largh at me but here goes
to read in the morning. I think I am blue. Hope I live
longer than two to four years,
Thanks for the info.
I am fat...does that make me a "blue bloater"?
I sometimes breathe with pursed lips...therefore, am I a "pink puffer"?
Life expectancy 2-4 years? Tell that to someone that has lived with "severe" COPD for 20 years.
My own feeling is this...if I decide I will only live 2-4 years and give up, I probably will. If I chose, instead, to refuse to give in to this disease, and do the footwork of taking care of myself, I have a good chance of defying the odds. Miracles happen each and every day...who is to say I cannot be one, too?
I may plan for tomorrow, but I live for today. And today, just for this one particular day, I will make it as beautiful and bright as I can, even if I feel shitty.....it always makes for a better tomorrow!
Sincerely, JoAnn
I am concerned you have taken my response to this article personally, though in no way was that intended. It is the article (not the person posting) I took issue with.
Again, I do want to emphasize my answer in no way is a reflection of how I feel about you. You are special, unique and have no need to apologize.
my response to her post.
I do not communicate well,
sometimes. LOL Keep posting
everyone, and say whatever you
want. I love the info. and
reading anything anyone has to say. This is an open forum.
To Jaznjams: sh*t did not
offend me.
12 step groups aways end with something like: TAKE
WHAT YOU NEED AND USE IT AND LEAVE THE REST.
Well, as they say.....S**T happens! LOL
All's well that ends well...
jazzy