Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.over time, COPD makes it harder to breath and cant reverse lung damage, but medication and lifestyle changes can help to manage the symptoms.
Emphysema slowly destroys air sacs in lungs, which interferes with outward air flow. Bronchitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to build up.
Chronic bronchitis-
Chronic bronchitis irritates bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from lungs. In response, the tubes swell and mucus builds up along the lining. The buildup narrows the tube’s opening, making it hard to get air into and out of lungs.
Small, hair-like structures on the inside of bronchial tubes (called cilia) normally move mucus out of your airways. But the irritation from chronic bronchitis and/or smoking damages them. The damaged cilia can’t help clear mucus.
Emphysema-
Emphysema is the breakdown of the walls of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the bronchial tubes, in the “bottom” of lung.lung is like an upside-down tree. The trunk is the windpipe or trachea, the branches are the “bronchi,” and the leaves are the air sacs or alveoli.
The air sacs play a crucial role in transferring oxygen into blood and carbon dioxide out. The damage caused by emphysema destroys the walls of the air sacs, making it hard to get a full breath.
COPD Causes-
Most people with COPD are at least 40 years old and have at least some history of smoking. The primary, or main, cause of COPD is smoking so the longer and more tobacco products smoke, the greater risk of COPD is. But not all smokers develop the disease. Smoking tobacco causes up to 90% of COPD cases
In addition to cigarette smoke, cigar smoke, pipe smoke, and secondhand smoke can cause COPD. risk of COPD is even greater if patient have asthma and smoke.
higher risk for-
• over the age of 65.
• exposed to air pollution.
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT), a genetic disorder risk factor for COPD.
• Many respiratory infections during childhood.
• Workplace dust and fumes.
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Signs and symptoms of COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)-
Tobacco smoke irritates airways, triggering inflammation (irritation and swelling) that narrows the airways. Smoke also damages cilia so they can’t do their job of removing mucus and trapped particles from the airways.
symptoms-
• Persistent Cough with mucus that for long periods of time.
• Wheezing.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Difficulty taking a deep breath.
• Shortness of breath with mild exercise (like walking or using the stairs).
• Shortness of breath performing regular daily activities.
• Restlessness, confusion, forgetfulness, slurring of speech or irritability.
• Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs that is new or has become worse and doesn't go away after a night's sleep with feet up.
• Fever, especially with cold or flu symptoms
• Unexplained weight loss or gain of 2 lbs. in a day or 5 lbs. in a week.
• Morning headaches or dizziness.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS-
1) Medical history
2) Physical exam
3) Tests-spirometry
• Pulse oximetry- This test measures the oxygen in blood.
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs)- These tests check oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)- This test checks heart function and rules out heart disease as a cause of shortness of breath.
• Chest X-ray or chest CT scan- Imaging tests look for lung changes that COPD causes.
• Exercise
Stages of COPD-
stage 1 or early stage- Mild COPD
The first sign of COPD is often feeling out of breath with light exercises, like walking up stairs. Another sign is a phlegmy cough that’s often particularly troublesome in the morning. These are early warning signs of COPD.
Stages 2 and 3- Moderate to severe COPD
In general, shortness of breath is more evident with more advanced COPD. Times when you experience increased phlegm, discoloration of phlegm, and more shortness of breath — are generally more common in higher stages of COPD.
Stage 4-Very severe COPD
When COPD becomes severe, almost everything patient do can cause shortness of breath.
TREATMENT AND MANAGMENT-
COPD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as coughing and breathing problems, and avoiding respiratory infections
Bronchodilators
Anti-inflammatory medications
Supplemental oxygen
Antibiotics
Vaccinations- Respiratory infections are more dangerous when patient have COPD. It’s especially important to get shots to prevent flu and pneumonia.
• Rehabilitation- for teaching effective breathing strategies to lessen shortness of breath and on conditioning
• Anticholinergics- These drugs relax the muscle bands that tighten around the airways and help clear mucus from the lungs
• Leukotriene modifiers- These medications affect leukotrienes, chemicals that occur naturally in the body that cause tightening of airway muscles and production of mucus and fluid.
• Antihistamines- These medicines relieve stuffy heads, watery eyes, and sneezing.
• Antivirals- Physican might prescribe these to treat or prevent illnesses caused by viruses, most frequently to treat or prevent flu. flu is particularly dangerous for patients who have COPD.
• Expectorants- These products thin mucus in the airways so patient can cough it out more easily.
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