Barrel-shaped chest is most commonly associated with which chronic lung disease?

Barrel-shaped chest is most commonly associated with which chronic lung disease?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Pulmonary edema
• C. Emphysema
• D. Bronchitis

Answer: (C)

Barrel-shaped chest signals chronic lung hyperinflation from emphysema. In emphysema, destruction of the alveolar walls reduces elastic recoil, so air becomes trapped during expiration. This air trapping elevates residual volume and expands the chest, increasing the front-to-back diameter and giving the chest a barrel-like appearance. On exam you may also note hyperresonant percussion and diminished breath sounds due to overinflation. This pattern is not typical of pneumonia (which shows focal infection and dullness), pulmonary edema (fluid overload with crackles and other signs), or bronchitis (airway inflammation and cough without marked hyperinflation).

Barrel-shaped chest signals chronic lung hyperinflation from emphysema. In emphysema, destruction of the alveolar walls reduces elastic recoil, so air becomes trapped during expiration. This air trapping elevates residual volume and expands the chest, increasing the front-to-back diameter and giving the chest a barrel-like appearance. On exam you may also note hyperresonant percussion and diminished breath sounds due to overinflation. This pattern is not typical of pneumonia (which shows focal infection and dullness), pulmonary edema (fluid overload with crackles and other signs), or bronchitis (airway inflammation and cough without marked hyperinflation).