COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is actually a family of diseases affecting the respiratory system including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Primary risk factors include smoking and environmental pollutants. Therefore, most cases of COPD are preventable. According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (2011), COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and according to the American Lung Association (2015), is the third leading cause of death domestically. The disease is not only preventable, but also curable, particularly when it is detected early.
However, there is no actual cure for COPD. Once COPD has developed, it is irreversible, although symptoms can be managed. Pathophysiology centers on the inflammation or destruction of the airways and the destruction of lung tissues. With emphysema, the walls of air sacs become damaged and lose their shape, affecting the rate and quantity of air exchange in the lungs. Moreover, emphysema destroys air sacs and therefore directly reduces gas exchange capacity in lungs. With chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and irritated, leading to a thickening of airway lining and the creation of mucus as a response (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, n.d.). The mucus in turn blocks airflow and impacts the ability to breathe or achieve necessary oxygen/carbon dioxide exchanges. With COPD, many patients develop both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, making the COPD designation more relevant. Symptoms of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis will be similar, including chronic cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), frequent respiratory infections, fatigue, weakness, and increased mucus production (American Lung Association, 2015). As the American Lung Association (2015) points out, shortness of breath is not normal and should never be attributed...
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) year-old male -- pt known to me -- recently admitted to the ward with Non-STEMI & LVF. Discharged five days ago. Was found collapsed in his house by his niece. Duration not known. Could not get up from the floor, no chest pain/SOB. No dysuria/constipation -- ? Incontinence Pt was discharged with a package of care last week. Detailed history not available as the pt is confused and not answering any
V. COMPONENTS of the PULMONARY REHAB PROGRAM There are several components of the pulmonary rehab program that is inclusive of the following: Medical evaluation and management; Setting Goals; Exercise Training; Education; Program Results or Outcomes; Oxygen Treatment; and Surgery. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Disease and Conditions Index, 2007) VI. PREVENTION of PROGRESSION of COPD Progression of COPD is, first and foremost, approached through addressing smoking cessation by the individual and this includes refraining from being with those
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cyanotic & Barrel-Chested: Cyanosis is a discoloration of the lips, nail bed, eyes, and/or palms (Potter, Perry, 1997). During the nursing assessment, the nurse inspects the patient according to the assessment chart, which includes the category of 'color'. Cyanosis is the appearance of a bluish discoloration (Potter, Perry, 1997) effecting the aforementioned parts of the body. The condition of barrel chested appearance is often a sign of
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder COPD COPD Diagnosis, Management, and Exacerbation Prevention The treatment objectives for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) outlined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease are two-fold: (1) the immediate relief of symptoms and (2) the long-term management of disease (GICOPD, 2013). Patients will present in the clinic with shortness of breath, a chronic cough, or production of sputum and a complete patient history will often reveal pulmonary
Pulmonary Disease and Exercise Exercise may benefit pulmonary patients in a variety of ways. Pulmonary patients however face many unique challenges to exercising that other disease patients do not. Pulmonary disease may affect the lungs and in a variety of manners. The condition includes respiratory disorders such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and pulmonary hypertension. In the article "Comparison of Specific Expiratory, Inspiratory, and Combined Muscle Training Programs in COPD" from Chest Journal,
HPI: John Master, a 47-year-old male, visits Doctor P�s office presenting with a productive cough with haemoptysis, wheezing, and shortness of breath. He indicates that the cough has been intermittent. He also complains of pleuritic chest pain. John Master indicates that he feels well at rest but when working, he markedly gets short of breath. The patient also indicates that over the last few weeks, he has not been as
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