What type of cough and sputum are seen in emphysema?

• A. Little or no cough, no mucus
• B. Pink frothy sputum
• C. Productive cough with mucus
• D. Frequent cough with thick mucus

Answer: (A)

Emphysema tends to cause prominent dyspnea with little mucus production, so the cough is usually minimal and sputum is scant or absent. Pink frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema, not emphysema. A productive cough with mucus or frequent thick mucus points to chronic bronchitis, the other COPD phenotype where mucus secretion is increased. Therefore, the description of little or no cough and no mucus best fits emphysema.