
Blue bloaters (group of COPD patients)
Blue bloaters are a group of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mainly caused by long-term lung damage. They often have poor oxygen levels, which can make their skin and lips appear bluish (hence "blue"). Their lungs struggle to fully exhale air, leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide, causing them to feel tired and sometimes swollen (bloating) due to fluid retention. These symptoms are typical in people with chronic bronchitis, a type of COPD. Managing their condition usually involves medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes to improve breathing and quality of life.