Pink Puffer

Question: 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".

Answer: 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).