Which of the following is NOT true when comparing Emphysema vs Chronic Bronchitis?

Emphysema is primarily characterized by the destruction of the alveolar walls, leading to a decrease in surface area for gas exchange and resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea. This destruction typically contributes to the “pink puffer” phenotype, where patients tend to be less cyanotic due to the maintenance of adequate ventilation, although they may experience breathlessness.

The claim that emphysema includes cyanosis of the fingers and toes is misleading. While some patients with emphysema can develop a subtle cyanosis due to hypoxemia in severe cases, it is not a hallmark of the disease. In contrast, chronic bronchitis is usually associated with significant cyanosis, earning patients the moniker "blue bloaters" because of their tendency to retain carbon dioxide and exhibit cyanosis due to insufficient oxygenation.

Chronic bronchitis indeed requires a productive cough for three consecutive months in at least two consecutive years for diagnosis. This condition is caused by long-term inflammation and mucus production in the bronchial tubes, leading to the characteristic chronic cough. Furthermore, wheezing and crackling lung sounds are common manifestations in chronic bronchitis due to airway obstruction and mucus accumulation, which further support the diagnosis.

By identifying these characteristics, option B stands out as incorrect