What are common physical characteristics of those with emphysema?

Individuals with emphysema often present as underweight and may exhibit hypertrophied neck muscles. This occurs primarily because emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that results in the destruction of lung tissue, leading to difficulties in breathing and a reduced ability to oxygenate the body efficiently. As a consequence, individuals may experience increased work of breathing, often leading to the recruitment of accessory muscles, particularly those in the neck, to assist with respiration.

The presence of hypertrophied neck muscles reflects the adaptation to the respiratory distress associated with the disease. Many patients also struggle with maintaining weight due to increased caloric expenditure from labored breathing and changes in metabolism, often resulting in them being underweight. This combination of factors highlights the characteristic physical adaptations seen in individuals with emphysema. In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the common presentation of individuals with emphysema and therefore do not capture the condition's typical physical characteristics.