Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is classified as a chronic inflammatory lung illness that results in congested air movement from the lungs (Goodman, Fuller and O'Shea 6). In order for individuals to live breathing is necessary which occurs through respiration. COPD however, hinders the free flow and exchange of gasses which affects the whole process of respiration. COPD happens when permanent obstructions are created within the respiratory and lungs system which affects the distribution of important gases (Heidelbaugh 12). When an individual is diagnosed with COPD this implies that some parts of their alveoli or bronchi have been blocked permanently which lowers the volume of air that is to be handled by the lungs and as this continues the general efficiency of gasses exchanges are minimized. The primary respiratory disorders that lead to COPD are chronic bronchitis and Emphysema which affects alveoli and bronchi respectively (Goodman, Fuller and O'Shea 6).
The primary cause of COPD in the developed nations is cigarettes smoking while in the developing nations COPD is usually fueled by the exposure to fumes that are generated from burning fuel that is used in homes as well as heating that is done in rooms that are not ventilated enough (Heidelbaugh 12). It is only close to 20 up to 30 percent of all chronic smokers that are likely to acquire medically obvious COPD despite the fact that most smokers who have engaged in long lung smoking might acquire lowered lungs functioning (Goodman, Fuller and O'Shea 9). Some of these smokers might have been misdiagnosed of COPD pending a more severe evaluation has been performed. In other words, the extended experience to lung irritants with the potential to destroy the lungs and air paths is the usual cause of COPD (Heidelbaugh 13).
There are several risks forces for COPD. To begin with, exposure to smoke generated from tobacco is the most critical risk force (Onn, Hansel and Barnes 8). This implies that the more than one is involved in smoking the higher the involved risks even for those that are subjected to second smoke. Smoking is the primary cause is assumed to be accountable to close to 9 in each ten OCPD diagnosed cases (Onn, Hansel and Barnes 8). The dangerous chemical that is contained is smoke has the potential to damage lung’s lining and air paths thus creating obstructions that prevent gases exchange. Discontinuing smoking can be an effective way of stopping COPD from becoming even worse. This is because even an exposure to other individuals smoking can increase the potential of developing the illness. In addition, the exposure to certain fumes, dust and workplace chemicals might destroy the lungs and rise COPD risks. Some of such substances include welding fumes, coal dust, and flour as well as fumes particles (Onn, Hansel and Barnes 18). The general risk of acquiring COPD is even greater if one breathes in fumes or chemical s in the work environment and is also a smoker.
Air pollution is another risk force if one is exposed to the polluted air for the long run their functioning of the lungs can be impacted thus increasing the potential of the illness but this connection is not yet conclusive (Klaus, Wedzicha, Wouters, and Welte 26). Further genetics plays a major part and one is highly likely to acquire COPD if they smoke and holds a close association with the illness which suggests that certain genes make one vulnerable to the illness which can affect people under 35 years. In regard to age, COPD evolves slowly as age increases and it affects individuals of at least 40 years (Onn, Hansel and Barnes 18).
Some common symptoms of COPD are chest tightness, wheezing, energy loss, short breath when engaging in physical exercises, chronic cough, weight loss and feet swelling (Klaus, Wedzicha, Wouters, and Welte 27). COPD can additionally lead to many complications such as respiratory infections, heart issues, lung cancer, depression, and HBP. In that, with the illness, one is likely to catch infections such as flu and pneumonia in often basis and this can make the breathing process to be particularly challenging. Heart issues arise due to the inability by the lungs to transfer gasses to different parts of the body leading to high blood pressure which might affect the heart. The difficulty to breathe can hinder one from participating in fan activities which result in stress and depression. Presently, the cure for COPD is yet to be established but the treatment is mainly aimed at lowering the development of the illness as well as to manage the symptoms (Heidelbaugh 12). Some of the treatments that are used as to discontinue smoking and the use of inhalers and medicines to ease breathing. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended since it is a program that seeks to promote exercises and encourage education. Surgery which might include kidney transplant is also an alternative for fewer individuals (Klaus, Wedzicha, Wouters, and Welte 28).
In conclusion, it is apparent that COPD is caused by the obstruction of the respiratory and lung system that challenges the transfer of important gasses. Since the illness is mainly fueled by smoking and inhaling fumes that damage the lungs it can best be prevented by living healthy without smoking and being exposed to chemicals to lower the likelihood. Prolonged smoking is the primary contributor to the illness.
Work Cited
Goodman, Catherine C, Kenda S. Fuller, and Roberta K. O'Shea. Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant. , 2016. Internet resource.
Heidelbaugh, Joel J. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier, 2015. Print.
Kon, Onn M, T T. Hansel, and Peter J. Barnes. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: (copd). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.
Rabe, Klaus F, Jadwiga A. Wedzicha, E F. M. Wouters, and T Welte. Copd and Comorbidity. Sheffield, UK: European Respiratory Society, 2013. Internet resource.
