Which pattern is typical of COPD respiratory pattern?

• A. Cheyne-Stokes respiration
• B. Apneustic breathing
• C. Pursed-lip breathing
• D. Kussmaul breathing

Answer: (C)

Airflow limitation in COPD leads to air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation, so patients often rely on a slow, controlled expiration. Pursed-lip breathing creates a small amount of positive pressure during exhalation, which helps keep small airways open, slows the breathing, and reduces the work of breathing. This strategy improves ventilation and comfort in COPD, making pursed-lip breathing the pattern most characteristic of the condition. By contrast, Cheyne-Stokes is a waxing and waning pattern with pauses, apneustic breathing features a prolonged inspiratory pause, and Kussmaul breathing is deep, rapid breathing from metabolic acidosis—none of which fit COPD as well as pursed-lip breathing.