What is not typically associated with emphysema?

In the context of emphysema, a chest radiograph typically shows hyperinflation of the lungs, often characterized by a decreased vascular marking and an elongated appearance of the lungs, rather than infiltrates. Infiltrates on a chest X-ray are more commonly associated with conditions like pneumonia or heart failure, where fluid or abnormal substances accumulate in the lung tissue.

A barrel-shaped chest, pursed-lip breathing, and dyspnea when at rest are all common features of emphysema. The barrel chest occurs due to the hyperinflation of the lungs, which alters the shape of the thoracic cavity. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique often used by patients to help control their breathing due to increased airway resistance and is a compensatory mechanism to prolong exhalation. Dyspnea, especially during rest or mild exertion, is a hallmark symptom of emphysema and reflects the diminished lung function and difficulty in gas exchange associated with the disease.

Thus, recognizing that infiltrates are not characteristic of emphysema is crucial for understanding the typical radiographic findings associated with this condition.