COPD Research Paper

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

It was a clear and calm morning, you decide to go for a run at your favorite park. As you finish up your run you notice an old man in his 60’s sitting on a bench have trouble breathing. You went over to help him and he said to you, “I don’t need your help, I have COPD and I never smoked.” As you walk off, you started to think how is this possible. What is COPD and can anyone get it? After reading this paper you understand the diagnosis, treatment of COPD, pathophysiology of COPD. What is COPD? COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breath. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease changes patient’s everyday lifestyles.

Are treatment of COPD treatable?

Yes, learning more about COPD you can be more in control of your life. To understand chronic obstructive pulmonary disease you must know the pathophysiology, which understand the structure of the lungs. Breathing comes nature to many of us as we inhale, air travel down the trachea through two tubes called bronchi. The bronchus branches out into tiny tubes called bronchioles. At the ends of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs called alveoli also the place of gas exchange. In the alveoli are capillaries, which are miniature blood vessels. The process of gas exchange is the oxygen we breathe in goes to lungs then to the bloodstream in the capillaries then elimination carbon dioxide moves from the bloodstream into the lungs to be respired.
What do doctor look for before diagnosing some with COPD?

According to COPD Foundation, “Most cases of COPD are caused by inhaling pollutants; that includes smoking (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc.), and second-hand smoke. Fumes, chemicals and dust found in many work environments are contributing factors for many individuals who develop COPD. Genetics can also play a role in an individual’s development of COPD—even if the person has never smoked or has ever been exposed to strong lung irritants in the workplace.” They would think they just have a common cold not knowing the development of COPD. Many people may not know some of the symptoms such shortness of breath and constant coughing. As the cough and shortness of breath continue the doctor will order a pulmonary function test and a chest x-ray. The pulmonary function test is a procedure that shows the amount of air that is breathe in and out and the way the lungs deliver oxygen to the body. A chest x-ray is order to show if exist of emphysema which is one of the main causes of COPD and can eliminate all other lung problems or heart problems. Checking for emphysema is important the alveoli in the lungs will be over inflated which constriction in lung function. In x-rays emphysema easily seen if the patient smokes or has long- term exposure to certain industrial dust or pollutants. Most COPD patients suffer from anxiety, depression or

stress

“A diagnosis of COPD is not the end of the world, many people have mild forms of the disease for which little therapy is needed other than smoking cessation. Even for more advanced stages of disease, effective therapy is available that can control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life. The most essential step in any treatment plan for COPD is to stop all smoking. It's the only way to keep COPD from getting worse — which can eventually reduce your ability to breathe (Mayo Clinic Staff Print, 2016).”

In conclusion, you now should have a better understand of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Being expose to different type of chemicals and smoke can harm the airway, but remember main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is smoking.